Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is being found in numerous states in the U.S. HPAI has been detected in wild birds (both hunter-harvested and wild bird mortality) from coast-to-coast and there have been multiple detections in poultry from small flocks to commercial operations. The situation continues evolving quickly and you can find the latest HPAI reports on the USDA's website.

Commercial flocks

Commercial producers should be prepared by making sure all staff and visitors are following site-specific biosecurity plans. As a reminder, commercial producers without a biosecurity plan in place, and approved (audited) by the Board, may not qualify for federal indemnity and compensation if their flock becomes infected with HPAI.

If you see something suspicious like decreased water consumption, increased mortality, or something seems off with your flock; call your veterinarian.

Commercial producers may also be curious about what will happen if their flock becomes infected with HPAI. The USDA created this general overview of the HPAI response process from detecting the disease all the way through restocking the premises.

Small or hobby flocks

Small or hobby poultry owners can defend their flock with similar biosecurity measures. A lot of these procedures may be new to small flock owners who may have questions, which is great because we have a lot of resources to guide flock owners through the benefits of biosecurity. A few highlights for small flock owners to review include:

• U of M Extension and Board biosecurity flyer for small flocks.
• How to report sick or dead poultry to the Board.
• USDA's Defend the Flock Program.

En Español.

• Centro de Recursos de Defend the Flock.
• Bioseguridad de las aves de corral - para gallineros urbanos y de traspatio.