AUGUSTA — Maine’s governor and other officials say the state is preparing for the possibility of an avian flu outbreak and readying residents about how to minimize any impact on domestic poultry.

Gov. Paul LePage says the state is being “proactive” about its precautions about the disease. The disease has not been detected in Maine.

State veterinarian Michele Walsh says the state is closely monitoring avian flu viruses and offering disease prevention tips to poultry producers and backyard chicken farmers. There are chicken and egg operations all over the state of Maine.

State officials say the avian flu virus is of low risk to humans. The disease is taking a toll on chicken and turkey flocks elsewhere in the country. The spread of the disease is causing supply issues and higher prices.