"This type of prevention can be very useful in controlling infection outbreaks and containing the bird flu pandemic," said an immunologist.

People who work with livestock are at the greatest risk of bird flu. To stop the disease's spread, it's critical that they participate in testing programs and wear masks and gloves when advised. “For those workers, do your best to cooperate with and trust your public health officials,” Landon said.

A deadly strain of avian flu has been detected at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, forcing officials to euthanize birds and shut down exhibits in an effort to stop the spread. The virus, known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza,