Bird flu is back in the headlines — and for good reason.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is spreading across the U.S. and affecting poultry, dairy cattle, and even some mammals. The virus moves fast, jumps species, and can devastate farms, processing plants, and the food supply.
What’s the Current Avian Influenza Situation?
Poultry Farms Are Under Threat. A Pennsylvania layer farm housing nearly 2 million birds tested positive for HPAI, leading to mass culling and increased biosecurity measures. (CIDRAP)
Wild Birds Are Spreading the Virus. New York has seen a rise in cases among wild birds, particularly waterfowl and raptors, with nearly 100 birds infected so far. (Cornell Wildlife Health Lab)
HPAI Has Crossed into Dairy Cattle. The detection of avian influenza in dairy herds is raising serious concerns about cross-species transmission and long-term impacts on milk production.
Rare Human Cases Have Been Reported. Two people in Wyoming and Ohio were hospitalized after exposure to infected poultry, adding to 66 confirmed U.S. human cases since 2024. (The Guardian, CDC)
The Virus Is Affecting Mammals. In New Jersey, a cluster of H5 avian flu cases was found in cats, showing the virus’s ability to spread beyond birds. (CIDRAP)
The national response is growing. If you are a poultry farmer, dairy farmer, processor, or consumer, here is what you need to know and what you should be doing now.
Farmers: Protect Your Flocks and Herds
Poultry Farmers: Lock Down Biosecurity
HPAI spreads through wild birds, contaminated water, shared equipment, and even boots. Farmers should increase biosecurity immediately to avoid outbreaks.
Wild birds are a major risk. If you pasture-raise birds, consider temporary indoor housing during peak migration.
Control water sources. Open ponds and streams can introduce the virus. Provide clean, controlled water access.
Limit visitors and outside equipment. Strict hygiene protocols apply to anyone entering your farm.
Dairy Farmers: Take Precautions
Monitor for unusual symptoms. The presence of HPAI in dairy cattle is being investigated, and early detection is key.
Limit cross-contact between poultry and livestock. Shared workers, water sources, and feed storage increase risk.
Work closely with veterinarians. Stay ahead of emerging guidance for dairy herds.
All Farmers: Report Symptoms Immediately
Do not hesitate. Sudden poultry deaths, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, or unexplained illness in livestock should be reported to a state veterinarian or USDA APHIS. Delayed reporting worsens outbreaks and brings regulatory consequences.
Processing Facilities: Do Not Let HPAI Shut You Down
The stakes are high for processors. A single infected bird can shut down a facility, trigger compliance investigations, and send business into a tailspin.
Increase Sanitation and Oversight
Keep live bird-holding areas separate from processing zones.
Sanitize evisceration tables, kill rooms, and loading docks multiple times per day.
Protective gear is non-negotiable. Gloves, masks, and aprons must be worn.
Stay Ahead of Supply Chain Disruptions
Vet suppliers. If sourcing birds from other farms, confirm their biosecurity protocols.
Be ready for shutdowns. If a nearby farm is quarantined, your processing schedule could be disrupted overnight.
Regulatory Compliance: Do Not Get Caught Off Guard
HPAI outbreaks bring heightened oversight. State and federal agencies are increasing enforcement. If you are not ahead of the rules, you are already behind.
Farmers: Know the Rules
Some states require testing before birds can be moved. Know the latest requirements.
Unusual deaths must be reported immediately. Delayed reporting brings serious penalties.
Quarantine and depopulation policies are strict. If your flock tests positive, be prepared for state-ordered losses.
Processors: Expect Increased Scrutiny
USDA and state inspections will increase. Expect sourcing restrictions and compliance checks.
Disposal regulations matter. Infected birds must be handled according to state and federal protocols.
Stay updated. Rules can change overnight in response to outbreak severity.
Consumers: What You Need to Know
HPAI is making headlines, but the food supply remains stable. Properly cooked poultry, eggs, and dairy products are safe to eat, and the virus does not pose a direct threat to food.
What to Watch For
Egg and poultry prices may rise due to flock losses and supply chain disruptions.
Dairy regulations may shift as scientists investigate HPAI in cattle.
Support local farmers and processors. Buying directly helps stabilize small businesses during disruptions.
Financial Survival: Plan Now or Pay Later
HPAI is not just a disease but an economic crisis for farms and processors caught unprepared.
Review insurance coverage. Not all policies cover disease-related losses.
Diversify revenue streams. If fresh poultry sales slow or stop, be ready to pivot to frozen inventory, direct-to-consumer sales, or alternative markets.
Research financial aid. State and federal relief programs exist, but waiting until disaster strikes is too late.
Final Word: Take Control Before HPAI Does
Every year, bird flu blindsides farmers and processors. Those who act early stay in business.
✔ Strengthen biosecurity—birds, people, and equipment all carry risk.
✔ Increase sanitation and oversight in processing plants.
✔ Stay ahead of regulations to avoid shutdowns and financial loss.
✔ Have a backup plan. Outbreaks do not just affect birds; they affect entire businesses.
This is happening now. Stay informed. Take action. Waiting is not an option. Contact us with any questions.
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