The Midwest outbreak of 2015 HPAI was limited to commercial poultry operations; backyard flocks were not affected. This statement is

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It affected only backyard flocks
• D. It affected wildlife only

Answer: (B)

This item tests how an avian influenza outbreak can cross between different bird populations, not just affect commercial operations. The 2015 Midwest HPAI outbreak was not limited to commercial poultry; backyard flocks were affected in several states, and wild birds played a major role in spreading the virus. Backyard holdings often have less stringent biosecurity, making them susceptible, and surveillance showed detections in multiple backyard premises as the outbreak spread alongside wild-bird migrations. Because of these factors, the statement is false: the outbreak impacted commercial flocks, backyard flocks, and wildlife, not just commercial operations.