• Since December 2014, the USDA has confirmed cases of H5N2 in the Pacific, Central and Mississippi migratory bird paths.

• No highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have been detected in Pennsylvania since an outbreak in 1983 and 1984, when Pennsylvania lost 17 million birds worth $65 million.• Avian Influenza, commonly known as "bird flu" is caused by an influenza type-A virus. AI viruses occur naturally in birds.• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk to humans is low.• Pennsylvania's three animal health laboratories (New Bolton Center, Penn State University and the state lab in Harrisburg) analyzed nearly 200,000 samples for avian influenza last year.• The department has created an avian influenza webpage at

www.agriculture.state. pa.us where you can get the latest information on virus prevention, as well as testing and reporting requirements.• For additional information about AI, call the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnosic Services, 717-787-4734.