Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has affected poultry consumption in all affected countries as well as some countries that have not been affected. If, as some predict, there is an outbreak of avian influenza in poultry in the U.S., there will likely be serious repercussions on the entire food system. To predict what might happen if avian influenza emerged in poultry or wild birds in the U.S. researchers at the Food Policy Institute at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, conducted a national survey of public knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors related to the threat of avian influenza in the food supply. Methodology A total of 1200 telephone interviews, lasting an average of 22 minutes, were completed between May 3, and June 5, 2006.2 The survey sample was selected through a random digit dial list. The sample selection procedures ensure that every household within the United States has an equal chance to be included in the survey. Each selected number was called a maximum of 15 times with calls distributed across days and times to try to reach a member of the household. The data was weighted using appropriate U.S. census weights for gender, age, race, ethnicity, and education. The cooperation rate was 60%. This paper summarizes the findings of the survey.