Home > Programs > Bureau of Natural Resources > Division of Agriculture > Animal Health > Livestock
Animal Health Home Emergency Response Plan Regulations Applications For Consumers For Farmers For Your Information FAQs		Avian Influenza Livestock Testing For Farmers Division of Agriculture Animal Health - Livestock Avian Influenza Avian (bird) Flu is caused by influenza A viruses that occur naturally among birds. There are different subtypes of these viruses because of changes in certain proteins on the surface of the influenza A virus and the way the proteins combine. The risk from avian influenza is generally low to most people, because the viruses do not usually infect humans. Most cases of infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. For more information on the Avian Flu, how it's transmitted, symptoms and emergency response, click on one of the following links: Official US Avian Influenza Website CDC Avian Influenza A Virus Infections of Humans RI DEM Avian Influenza: What You Should Know RI DEM Avian Influenza Response Plan Livestock Testing To ensure the health of the livestock in Rhode Island and to ensure public health when consuming animal products, the Division of Agriculture's Animal Health staff conducts animal testing. Due to budgetary and staffing constraints, revisions have been made to the testing policy. Read the 2008 Division of Agriculture Animal Testing Policy.

---

For General Information 222-6800 • After Hours Emergencies 222-3070 • Disclaimer