Avian Influenza

Working Together

The Chicken and Egg Association of Minnesota (CEAM) works closely with state and national agencies to coordinate the communication of the latest information on avian influenza to Minnesota’s poultry farmers through a variety of methods.

We provide education and outreach to our members on how farmers can keep their flocks safe from disease threats, while working closely with University of Minnesota Extension to provide information to small flock and backyard flock owners.

We continue, as always, to communicate with other state poultry associations as needed, and serve as a resource for the media.

Latest Avian Influenza FAQs

The poultry products you purchase are completely safe to eat:

Avian influenza is NOT a food safety issue. All flocks are tested for this virus, well before going to market. Any flocks tested positive for the virus are NOT allowed to enter the food supply.
All poultry identified with highly pathogenic avian influenza are prohibited by law from entering the marketplace.
As a reminder, all poultry and eggs should be handled properly and cooked to an internal temperature of 165° F to kill bacteria and viruses.

There is also very little human health risk:

The risk of human infection is very low. To date, the HPAI strains that have been found in the United States have not been detected in humans.
Risk of infection is limited to people in direct contact with affected birds.

Avian Influenza Resources

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