As of October 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s APHIS has confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is circulating in wild birds across the country. What makes this tricky is that wild birds can carry the virus without showing any signs of illness, quietly spreading it as they migrate. This isn’t just a wildlife problem - it’s a potential threat to domestic poultry and even dairy operations.
APHIS runs a wild bird surveillance program that acts as an early warning system. By detecting HPAI in wild birds, they give poultry producers and state officials the chance to take quick action, reducing the risk of outbreaks in commercial flocks. This includes everything from tightening biosecurity on farms to testing and monitoring nearby waterfowl populations.
Interestingly, the APHIS numbers also include captive wild birds - birds living under human care or supervision - because they too can harbor the virus. These detections are important because they highlight potential hotspots where the virus could jump to domestic birds.
The big takeaway: HPAI isn’t just “out there” in remote areas. Migrating and captive wild birds are constantly moving, and every detection is a reminder that farmers, regulators, and wildlife managers need to stay vigilant.
For anyone in the poultry or livestock industries, now is the time to double down on biosecurity, monitor flocks closely, and stay updated on USDA reports. Bird flu may be invisible in wild populations, but its impact can ripple fast through domestic animals and food systems.
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