New cases of avian flu: UNE’s Meghan May offers insight in interview

Meghan May

Meghan May, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology and infectious disease at the Â鶹´«Ã½ College of Osteopathic Medicine, was interviewed by LifeZette about new cases of avian flu that have been reported in the United States.

May discussed a strain of H5N2 avian flu that was recently discovered in a flock of turkeys in Wisconsin, as well as a highly pathogenic strain that was discovered in a flock of chickens in Tennessee earlier that week. May said backyard bird owners should pay close attention.

"Watching for additional poultry outbreaks would give us an idea of how prevalent it is," she said. "On an individual level, anyone who has backyard chicken flocks should be watching for an increase in sick birds. A vet should be called in immediately, and contact with sick chickens should be avoided."

May also explains the similarities and differences between these U.S. strains and those found in China, as well as the risk to humans.

To learn more about the Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit

To apply, visit 

About the Â鶹´«Ã½

The Â鶹´«Ã½ is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.