The response operation can last from days to months depending on the magnitude of the outbreak. While every situation is different, these general procedures will begin with confirmation of the avian influenza virus.³

Advisers will take samples from your poultry. Samples will be sent to USDA-approved laboratories where diagnostic tests will verify disease status. Positive samples are then sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for confirmation. NVSL can verify the presence of avian influenza, the specific viral subtype, and its pathogenicity (low pathogenic or highly pathogenic).

CDC Photo Library: James Gathany