The United States is the world's largest producer and exporter of poultry meat and the second largest egg producer. According to 2009 USDA statistics, U.S. poultry meat production totals more than 43 billion pounds annually. U.S. egg operations produce more than 90 billion eggs annually, valuing the U.S. poultry industry at $29 billion a year.

The economic effects of any avian influenza outbreak can be devastating, not only for owners but to a city, state, and country as trade bans may be imposed. Response measures ranging from staffing and testing to depopulation, disposal, and decontamination procedures, are expenses that may also affect the economy. During the 1983-84 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Mid-Atlantic region, 17 million birds were euthanized and damages totaled $65 million.²³

You are the first line of defense for your birds and practicing good biosecurity makes you the most important protection your birds have. Remember to isolate your birds, control traffic, and keep your area clean. These steps will greatly increase your success in maintaining a happy healthy flock.