Health experts have said the avian influenza outbreak has not affected the birds in the state of Alaska in the United Sates.

They said that the large scare outbreak has spread across 48 U.S. states and Canada but is yet to reach the state of Alaska.Alaska State Veterinarian Robert Gerlach has said that biosecurity measures might help lower the risk of the virus spreading to the state. He said that about 50 billion laying hens, turkeys and pullets have been killed or slaughtered to prevent further spreading of the disease.

He warned that the birds carrying the virus might spread to Alaska form the lower 48 states and Canada. He advised poultry farmers to be careful to keep their animals clean at large fairs that are being organised during summer.Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa have declared states of emergency while other states are battling to contain the virus.

Healthcare officials said that waterfowl migrating south from Canada are the source of the virus. The virus is not known to be communicable to humans. The USDA response efforts have cost more than $400 million and the efforts are continuing to fight the disease.