HPAI H5N1 has moved outwardly from Asia but has not yet been detected in the western hemisphere. While, it is unclear how HPAI H5N1 might arrive into North America, it is possible that wild birds may act as vectors of the virus once established. USDA APHIS Animal Care monitors facilities under its oversight using a voluntary cooperative surveillance plan. The project is administered by Lincoln Park Zoo on behalf of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a chief stakeholder for Animal Care and includes regulated non-AZA exhibitors. The goals of this project are to monitor for both LPAI and HPAI, and detect and characterize any H5 or H7 subtypes, especially HPAI H5N1 as well as provide the zoological community with an Outbreak Management Plan to assist State and Federal regulatory officials with the handling of an outbreak of HPAI H5N1 on Zoo grounds, should one occur. In addition this program will provide an updated Vaccination Plan for Zoological Specimens should an appropriate vaccine be identified for use in zoos. Lastly, the program strives to facilitate dialogue between individual zoological institutions and appropriate State and Federal regulatory veterinarians who would work together for disease management if a highly pathogenic form of avian influenza is detected.