Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

True or False: Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been seen in the U.S.?

1. True

2. False

3. Only in domestic animals

4. Only in wild birds

The correct answer is: False

The statement regarding the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the U.S. is not accurate, making the assertion that it is false misleading. In fact, highly pathogenic avian influenza has been observed in the U.S., affecting both wild birds and domestic poultry populations. Historically, outbreaks of HPAI strains, such as H5N1 and H5N8, have been documented within the U.S. borders, leading to significant impacts on the poultry industry and wildlife. These occurrences highlight the importance of biosecurity measures and monitoring to control the spread of such diseases. Options that specify the limitation of HPAI to either domestic animals or wild birds neglect the fact that the disease has been reported in both categories across numerous cases in the country. This reinforces the understanding that HPAI is a significant concern for animal health, encompassing various species and environments.