Bird flu isn’t going away just yet. Over 168 million birds have been affected since early 2022. And while 2024 gave us a bit of a breather, the virus picked up steam again late last year—and it’s still making its rounds.
In just the past month, the USDA reported 43 new HPAI cases across 18 states. So while numbers are slightly down, we’re not in the clear.
This spring, a Missouri resident tested positive for bird flu—and here’s the twist: they had no known contact with infected animals. That’s the first case of its kind in the U.S. in 2025.
While the CDC still says the public risk is low, it’s a reminder of how important it is to keep up containment efforts. They're keeping a close eye on mutations through genomic surveillance—because if this virus shifts and becomes more transmissible to humans, it could get serious fast.
Whether you run a backyard coop or manage a major poultry facility, biosecurity is your first line of defense. The USDA urges all producers to double-check their practices. Here's the checklist:
Limit visitor access.
Disinfect boots, equipment, and vehicles.
Keep wild birds away from flocks.
Report unusual bird deaths immediately.
If a bird dies and you suspect avian flu, double-bag it and refrigerate—state vets need it preserved for testing.
Birds may show no signs—or a whole range of them. Stay alert for:
Sudden deaths with no clear reason
Low energy and appetite
Drop in egg production or weirdly shaped eggs
Swelling, discoloration (especially purple on head or legs)
Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing
Incoordination and diarrhea
⏬Check below to see where HPAI hit this last month. ⏬
Crawford County – 18,300 commercial turkey meat birds
Lawrence County – 15,400 commercial turkey meat birds
Will County – 50 WOAH non-poultry birds
Adams County – 6,600 commercial duck breeder birds
Elkhart County – 4,200 commercial duck breeder birds
Jackson County – 2.63 million commercial table egg layers
Jay County – 1.55 million birds (turkeys, layers, pullets)
Shelby County – 60 WOAH non-poultry birds
Washington County – 19,400 commercial turkey meat birds
Buena Vista County – 400,000 commercial table egg pullets
Dallas County – 100 WOAH non-poultry birds
Butler County – 70 WOAH non-poultry birds
Dukes County – 50 WOAH non-poultry birds
Monroe County – 40 WOAH non-poultry birds
Noxubee County – 47,700 commercial broiler breeder birds
Perry County – 20 WOAH non-poultry birds
Valencia County – 80 WOAH non-poultry birds
Atlantic County – 100 WOAH poultry birds
Hudson County – 1,130 live bird market birds
Mercer County – 370 live bird market birds
Union County – 840 live bird market birds
Bronx County – 1,100 live bird market birds
Delaware County – 240 WOAH non-poultry birds
Onondaga County – 470 live bird market birds
Queens County – Over 5,000 live bird market birds across multiple reports
Richmond County – 450 live bird market birds
Westchester County – 100 WOAH non-poultry birds
Mercer County – 31,600 commercial turkey meat birds
Woodward County – 110 WOAH non-poultry birds
Franklin County – 13,400 commercial turkey meat birds
Lancaster County – Over 55,000 ducks and poultry (WOAH + commercial)
Lebanon County – 139,500 commercial egg layers & broilers
Lehigh County – 47,900 WOAH poultry birds
Monroe County – 30 WOAH non-poultry birds
Philadelphia County – 1,520 live bird market birds
If you're in the business of bird control, poultry production, or biosecurity: stay sharp. Cases might be lower, but HPAI is still moving, especially in high-density states. Know what to look for, follow protocol, and don’t ignore weird behavior in your birds. To keep birds away from you and your assets, consider Avitrol. Learn more about Avitrol through this video.
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