[Capriole]

I wonder if this is yet a danger when handling American poultry? My little boy wants to have chickens. For some reason he really likes them. Not long ago I caught him sitting in a friend's chicken coop with an old hen on his lap, petting her back while she clucked softly. It was very sweet. (OK, weird kid, I know.) But if this disease is going to move to the US, he is not going to get chickens or be in the 4-H poultry program.

[Termite_Commander]

Capriole, right now, it's safe for you to get and own chickens. The virus is not in the U.S., and American chicken is perfectly safe at the moment.

Of course, if the virus does get here, you must accept the fact that you might have to surrender the chickens to cullings.

So consider it carefully. H5N1 shouldn't be at the top of your list when debating whether to get chickens or not, but it should be thought about somewhat.