Avian Influenza

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have been detected in commercial poultry flocks, backyard poultry flocks, and in wild waterfowl.

As of March 2022, HPAI has been detected in all four North American migration flyways. On April 18th, HPAI was confirmed in commercial poultry in Pennsylvania for the first time since the 1983-84 outbreak. The USDA, PDA and Penn State are diligently working to mitigate the spread of the virus in Pennsylvania. All poultry owners, whether you have one bird or one million birds, should be on high alert. This landing page serves to provide various resources and the most up-to-date information for poultry owners in Pennsylvania.

Learn More about Avian Influenza

Understanding Avian Influenza

Avian influenza has the potential to be a catastrophic disease in poultry, especially in turkeys and mature chickens. Sometimes the death is so sudden that there are not many (if any) signs of the disease in most of the animals. Mortalities close to 100 % of the flock may occur with HPAI infections. While a milder version of the disease (low pathogenic avian influenza or LPAI) is usually far more common in the United States, right now there is a heightened risk for HPAI along the eastern half of the US.

The avian influenza virus can be introduced in a flock by several mechanisms. Waterfowl and shorebirds are known, natural carriers of Avian Influenza. Despite this infection being a natural disease in waterfowl, they seldom show overt clinical signs. However, they often serve as direct or indirect transmitters of the virus to poultry. The virus is known to be carried over vast distances by wild waterfowl which may have migratory routes in close proximity to poultry farms or small/backyard flocks. Waterfowl often stop to rest in lakes, streams, and ponds during migration. The virus is shed in large numbers in the feces of infected animals and even though it is not a highly resistant organism, in the presence of organic matter (like mud or fecal material) it can survive for several months. For this reason, freshwater reservoirs could potentially serve to harbor the virus. It has been postulated that either surface water, people, insects, or wild animals can serve to bring the virus from water reservoirs to the poultry farm. As an efficient and easy to follow biosecurity step, never use your personal shoes/boots in the farm and rather keep dedicated farm footwear for all personnel. Once the virus has been introduced into a poultry farm, the transmission is different. The secretions and fecal material will be heavily contaminated with viruses which can be transported to another flock by people, vehicles, equipment, and other material that has not been properly disinfected.

Signs and Symptoms

Clinical signs of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) may include:

• Sudden increase in mortality (may see mortality without any other clinical signs)
• Decreased feed and/or water consumption
• Decreased energy (lethargy, depression)
• Decreased egg production
• Soft-shelled, thin-shelled, or misshapen eggs
• Swelling or purple discoloration of the head, eyelids, or legs (shanks and/or feet)
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge
• Incoordination, stumbling
• Abnormal position and/or twisting of the head and neck
• Diarrhea

What's at Risk

The HPAI outbreak of 2014-2015 cost the USDA between $1-2 billion dollars to clean -up. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture estimates a major outbreak of HPAI in Pennsylvania could have an economic impact of $13 billion. Potentially affecting over 50,000 jobs and $3.2 billion in wages. PA ranks 4th in the nation in egg production and produces 8.2 billion eggs worth $478 million annually. PA also has significant meat chicken, turkey, gamebird and vaccine egg production as well that would be affected.

Where it's Found

The virus of avian influenza can be introduced in a flock by several mechanisms. Waterfowl and shorebirds are known, natural carriers of Avian Influenza. Despite this infection being a natural disease in waterfowl, they seldom show overt clinical signs. However, they often serve as direct or indirect transmitters of the virus to poultry. The virus is known to be carried over vast distances by wild waterfowl which may have migratory routes in proximity of poultry farms. Waterfowl often stop to rest in lakes, streams and ponds during migration. The virus is shed in large numbers in the feces of infected animals and even though it is not a highly resistant organism, in the presence of organic matter (like mud or fecal material) it can survive for several months.

Avian Influenza Management

• Video: Creating a Poultry Flock Plan
• Article: Biosecurity: Protecting Your Birds from Disease
• Article: Where to get help for Poultry Diseases
• Video: Biosecurity: Basic Farm Entry
• News: Biosecurity Alert: HPAI Update April 16, 2024

Managing Stress and Mental Health

• The Farmer Stress Management Toolbox Part 1
• The Farmer Stress Management Toolbox Part 2
• The Farmer Stress Management Toolbox Part 3
• Mental Health First Aid Webinars
• Weathering the Storm in Agriculture: How to Cultivate a Productive Mindset
• Communicating with Farmers Under Stress

Government Resources

• Comprehensive Poultry Biosecurity website with information on NPIP Biosecurity and plan-writing guidance, including Biosecurity Principles Audit Guidelines
• Generic flock plan from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Use this template to complete a plan in case your flock is hit with AI.
• USDA APHIS website for information on poultry biosecurity, including steps to take.
• USDA's Defend the Flock program is an educational resource that provides the information and tools necessary to ensure you are keeping your birds healthy and reducing risk.
• PDA website for avian influenza information and updates

Related Publications

• ReadyAG Workbook , Penn State Extension
• 6 Ways to Prevent Poultry Disease, USDA APHIS
• Avian Influenza Findings Emphasize the need for Good Biosecurity , USDA APHIS
• A Practical Guide for Managing Risk in Poultry Production , American Association of Avian Pathologists
• Guidance for Hunters - Protect Yourself and your Birds from Avian Influenza , USDA

Archived Webinar Recordings

• HPAI Is Still Here: Is It Here to Stay? (3/13/2023)
• Why Small Poultry Flock Owners Need to Stay Vigilant with HPAI to Protect Their Flock (9/26/2022)