Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to be detected in wild birds across the United States. The latest USDA APHIS surveillance update shows that H5 viruses are still circulating among wild bird populations, highlighting the ongoing challenge for poultry producers, livestock operations, and agricultural facilities preparing for increased bird movement.
Wild birds can carry HPAI without showing obvious signs of illness. As they travel, migrate, feed, and gather around agricultural operations, they can introduce the virus through droppings, contaminated water, equipment, and shared environments. This makes controlling wild bird activity an important part of any farm biosecurity plan.
Below is a summary of the latest reported detections.
Alaska continues to be an important surveillance area because of its role as a major pathway for migratory birds moving between continents. In Nome, Alaska, USDA confirmed multiple H5N1 detections involving several wild bird species, including common eiders, glaucous gulls, black-legged kittiwakes, and common murres. These detections demonstrate that HPAI remains present among diverse wild bird populations and reinforce the importance of monitoring migratory bird activity near agricultural areas.
For agricultural producers, Alaska's detections serve as another reminder that wild bird movement can influence disease pressure far beyond the location where birds are first detected. Migratory routes connect regions, meaning biosecurity practices remain important even hundreds or thousands of miles away from confirmed cases.
A bald eagle in Laurel County, Kentucky, was confirmed positive for an H5 virus. Raptors such as bald eagles and hawks can become exposed after feeding on infected birds or interacting with contaminated environments.
The detection highlights an important point for farms and agricultural facilities: bird flu is not limited to traditional waterfowl. Many species that visit farms, fields, grain storage areas, and livestock operations can potentially play a role in moving pathogens through the environment.
New York reported multiple wild bird detections, including red-tailed hawks in Ontario and Livingston counties, along with a common tern in Erie County.
Predatory birds may become infected through exposure to infected prey, while coastal and migratory species such as terns can contribute to the movement of viruses along established migration pathways. For farms located near wetlands, ponds, grain fields, or areas with heavy bird activity, reducing attractants and limiting bird congregation points can help lower exposure risk.
Minnesota reported an H5 detection in a red-tailed hawk in Anoka County.
Minnesota is a major agricultural state with significant poultry and livestock production, making continued surveillance especially important. The detection reinforces why producers should maintain strong biosecurity practices year-round instead of only reacting after outbreaks occur.
The latest HPAI detections show a continuing pattern:
Wild birds are moving. The virus is moving. Agriculture must stay prepared.
While summer typically brings lower bird migration activity compared to spring and fall, these detections show that HPAI remains present in wild bird populations. As fall migration approaches, producers should evaluate their risk areas before bird pressure increases.
Agricultural operations should focus on:
✅ Protecting feed and water sources from wild bird access
✅ Removing areas where birds gather or roost
✅ Inspecting barns, sheds, and equipment areas
✅ Maintaining strong sanitation practices
✅ Training employees on biosecurity procedures
✅ Monitoring bird activity around facilities
Fall migration brings millions of birds across the country, increasing the chance of contact between wild birds, farms, livestock, and agricultural infrastructure.
The best time to prepare is before migration begins.
Bird flu prevention is not just about responding after an outbreak. It is about identifying where birds are landing, feeding, nesting, and gathering, and reducing those opportunities before they create a risk.
Biosecurity starts with understanding the birds around your operation.