As spring unfolds, the battle against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) presents a complex picture. Since February 2022, over 168.3 million birds have been affected across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. While the number of cases saw a significant decline for most of 2024, recent reports indicate a concerning rise since November.

Recent Developments

In the past month alone, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has documented 43 new cases of HPAI affecting 18 states. These developments emphasize the ongoing vigilance required in managing this threat.

Biosecurity Measures Essential for Poultry Producers

With the continued appearance of HPAI cases, the USDA is urging all poultry producers, from small backyard operations to larger commercial farms, to reinforce biosecurity practices. Essential measures may include regular health checks, controlling farm access, and employing preventive vaccinations where possible. The USDA provides various resources to equip producers in enhancing their biosecurity protocols, ensuring the health of their flocks.

State officials are taking immediate action against outbreaks by quarantining affected premises. In cases where HPAI is confirmed, depopulation of infected birds is implemented to curb the spread. Crucially, these infected birds will not enter the food supply, safeguarding public health.

Recognizing Symptoms of Avian Influenza

Poultry producers are advised to be vigilant for signs of avian influenza, which can manifest as unexpected deaths, decreased energy, drop in egg production, unusual egg shapes, and respiratory distress among birds. The USDA's resources also include visual aids to help identify these critical symptoms.

Farmers are encouraged to report any suspicious avian deaths and preserve the evidence for testing by refrigerating and double-bagging the carcass.

Human Health Concerns Elevate

The situation is compounded by the emergence of human cases of HPAI since the onset of this outbreak. Experts express concerns about the virus's potential to mutate and transmit among humans. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the risk to the general public remains low, bolstered by ongoing genomic surveillance and containment measures. Nonetheless, the first recorded human death from bird flu in the U.S. since 2022 occurred recently in Louisiana, raising alarms about the disease's evolving nature.

Recent Case Summary

The following states have reported new cases involving significant bird populations as of early April 2025: - **Illinois** reported over 50,000 commercial turkey meat birds across multiple counties. - **Indiana** noted substantial cases with over 2 million commercial table egg layers affected in Jackson County alone. - **New Jersey** saw increasing numbers related to live bird markets, with multiple counties reporting hundreds of affected birds.

As spring progresses, both poultry producers and the public must remain vigilant against the bird flu threat. With the potential for outbreaks to impact food supply chains and public health, proactive measures are crucial. Stay informed, and ensure the safety of our avian friends and ourselves!