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Within 24 to 48 hours of the first detection of the virus, state and federal animal health officials work with farms to cull infected flocks to reduce the risk of transmission. That’s followed by extensive disinfection and months of surveillance and testing to make sure the virus isn’t still lurking somewhere on-site.

As bird flu spreads in the United States, are there are any risks of the virus from drinking milk or eating eggs? Here's what you need to know, according to experts.