Commercial poultry flocks in the United States and the food products made from them are being carefully protected from avian influenza, according to an Internet site www.avianinfluenzainfo.com -- created by the country's leading poultry organizations. The site is sponsored by the National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, and Egg Safety Center, and made possible by a grant from Elanco, a manufacturer of animal health products, according to a joint news release.

Industry information, consumer advice, news and comment, and other items are included in the site www.avianinfluenzainfo.com, which has just been revised and re-launched to give consumers more information on industry's precautions and response plans for avian influenza.

A video on industry precautions aimed at protecting poultry flocks is posted on the web site, along with a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Michael Doyle, director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia.

“American consumers don't have to worry about getting avian influenza virus from eating poultry that's been properly handled and cooked,” Doyle said. “We know that if you properly cook poultry, it's safe.” Statements from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization are also posted to inform consumers about the food safety of poultry products.”

Informative brochures may also be downloaded from the site. These include Avian Influenza: The Facts and Protecting U.S. Chicken Flocks and The Food Supply from Avian Influenza .

Under “What You Need to Know,” the site offers information on important points, including:

* Avian influenza is not the same disease as human pandemic flu.

* The food supply is protected.

* Testing programs are in place.

* USDA inspects all processed poultry.

* Humans can't get avian influenza from properly handled and cooked food.

“We have never had the Asian form of highly-pathogenic avian influenza in North America,” said Sherrie Rosenblatt, senior director of marketing and communications for the National Turkey Federation. “Even if it does show up, safeguards are in place to protect the flocks and protect the food supply.”

“We view the site as an efficient way to communicate with the public on the excellent job industry is doing on the farm and all the way through the food chain,” added National Chicken Council Communications Director Richard Lobb.