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Has the Avian Flu Outbreak Affected Your State?

October 19, 2022

A comprehensive guide to keeping yourself informed about the HPAI outbreak.

The 2022-2023 avian flu outbreak in the United States has affected commercial and backyard flocks of over 58.79 million birds in 47 states. Here is the up-to-date information you need to know about to protect your flock members.

Complete United States Avian Flu Outbreak Map

State by State HPAI Data Listed Below

US Map of the 2022-23 Avian Flu Outbreak — Avian Flu Outbreak state-by-state

What is HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza)?

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also referred to as avian flu or bird flu, is a highly contagious disease caused by the avian influenza virus. It mainly affects birds and can be deadly among backyard flocks. The avian flu can strike suddenly and spread quickly, as we have seen across North America in 2022-2023.

How does Avian Flu spread?

HPAI spreads by direct, bird-to-bird contact and can also spread indirectly when flock members come in contact with contaminated materials. Potential sources of introduction of avian flu into your backyard flock are; poultry products, the transfer of poultry from flock to flock, and migratory birds (including wild ducks and geese.) HPAI can also be spread and moved in manure, egg cartons, farming equipment, and by people who may have inadvertently transferred the virus onto their clothing, shoes, or hands.

What are the signs and symptoms of Avian Flu?

coughing
sneezing
darkened comb/wattles
swelling of the head/eyes
nasal discharge
lethargy
loose droppings
drop in laying

What to do if you think a member of your flock is sick with avian flu.

If members of your flock show signs of illness, isolate and quarantine them from other members immediately. Then contact your local veterinarian or your appropriate state department right away. You can also call the USDA at 1-866-536-7593. Early detection is essential to help prevent the spread of the avian flu.

There is no treatment for HPAI, and if you have a confirmed case of HPAI in your flock, therefore, unfortunately, all members of your flock will need to be put down. Culling is the only way to prevent the spread of the disease to nearby farms and flocks. While it may seem cruel, culling birds with confirmed infection may save the lives of thousands or even millions of other birds and therefore is the only responsible course of action.

An infographic sharing ways to help protect your flock from Avian Flu. — Biosecurity Basics to help protect your flock from the Avian Flu Outbreak

Tips for preventing Avian flu in your backyard flock - Biosecurity basics

Keep germs away – Always wash your hands before and after coming into contact with your backyard flock. Also, be sure to disinfect any supplies or equipment that comes into contact with your flock.
Avoid wild birds – Droppings and fluids from wild birds spread avian influenza. The first and most important rule for you is to practice good biosecurity. This means you can’t allow your flock to drink from or bathe in water sources that wild birds could access, and you can’t allow your flock outdoors unless your run is covered or has an impervious roof. Make sure to quarantine any birds showing signs of infection.
Limit visitors to your coop and farm – In Addition, try to avoid any unnecessary visits to your coop or farm. If you have visitors, encourage them to wash their hands and boots or wear gloves and protective boot coverings.

If you think you have come into contact with an infected bird, follow the directions the CDC offers.

How to safely add to your flock during the HPAI outbreak

In addition, don’t acquire birds from neighbors, friends, your local breeder, or listings on Facebook. You shouldn’t sell your birds to other people, either.

However, you can purchase from NPIP-approved flocks like My Pet Chicken. Why? Because the USDA and State Departments of Agriculture recognize that our breeder flocks are registered and regularly tested for all illnesses, including Avian Influenza. In fact, purchasing from a reputable hatchery or hatching from your own flock is the only safe way to acquire birds at the moment.

Delaware chickens shown in a clean hatchery. — Purchase new birds from a reputable hatchery such as My Pet Chicken

Click on your state below for up-to-date information about the avian flu outbreak.

United States A-G

US States H-L

US States M-N

United States O-S

US States T-Z

Alabama Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: December 5th, 2022. So far 1 backyard flock with 460 birds has been affected. For further information, visit the Alabama Public Health Department.

Alaska Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: November 25, 2022. So far 6 backyard flocks with 1,140 birds have been affected. For more information about HPAI, visit the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

Arizona Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: November 3, 2022. So far 2 backyard flocks with 80 birds have been affected. For further information, visit the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

Arkansas Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: December 1, 2022. So far 1 commercial flock and 2 backyard flocks with over 56,000 birds have been affected. For more information about HPAI, visit the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.

California Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: April 12, 2023. There have been reports in California from 16 commercial flocks and 20 backyard flocks, affecting over 800,000 birds.

Wildlife disease specialists with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recently received confirmation that an adult bobcat died from the Eurasian strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. This is the first virus detection in a wild mammal in the state of California.

Dr. Janette Jones, the California State Veterinarian, encourages backyard poultry flock owners to be prepared and recognize the signs of disease. For further information, visit California Environmental Protection Agency.

Colorado Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: April 24, 2023. Colorado has had over 6.2 million birds affected in 8 commercial flocks and 19 backyard flocks. Although the risk of HPAI to humans remains very low, there has been one reported case in 2022 of human infection in Colorado from a person working on a farm with infected poultry.

The Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office is asking all poultry and bird owners to increase their biosecurity practices to keep the disease out of our domestic poultry in Colorado. You can also find more information about HPAI at the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Connecticut Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: October 5, 2022. Connecticut has had 2 backyard flocks with 210 birds affected. Connecticut is home to over five million poultry consisting of backyard and commercial flocks that could be affected by the disease outbreak. Bird owners must report any Avian Influenza symptoms to the State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505. For more information about HPAI, visit the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Delaware HPAI Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: September 24, 2022. Delaware has had 3 commercial flocks and 2 backyard flocks with over 1.4 million birds affected. For more information about HPAI, visit the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

Florida Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: March 21, 2023. Florida confirmed the bird flu virus in 26 backyard flocks with 2,347 birds affected. Florida is committed to protecting poultry, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regularly monitors domestic poultry for evidence of avian influenza viruses. Samples are routinely collected from backyard flocks, show birds, commercial poultry, and live bird markets. Visit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for further information or to report bird mortalities online.

Georgia Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: August 22, 2022. Georgia has had 2 backyard flocks with 570 birds affected. For further information about bird flu, visit the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Hawaii Avian Flu Outbreak Information

No reported detection as of September 2023: There are no reported cases at this time. For further information, visit the State of Hawaii Department of Health.

Idaho Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: April 17, 2023. Idaho has had 1 commercial flock and 30 backyard flocks with over 10,000 birds affected. For further information about the bird flu outbreak, visit the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Idaho Fish and Game ask that if any sick wild birds are found, report them here to assist with surveillance records.

Illinois HPAI Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: February 24th, 2023. Over 27,00 birds have been affected in 1 commercial flock and 6 backyard flocks. For further information, visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Indiana Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: May 5, 2023. Indiana has had 10 commercial flocks and 6 backyard flocks with over 201,000 birds affected. For further information, visit the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, where you can also sign up for email and text updates.

Iowa Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: March 15, 2023. Over 15 million birds have been affected in 25 commercial flocks and 7 backyard flocks. For further information, visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and land Stewardship.

Kansas Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: April 10, 2023. There have been over 42,00 birds affected in Kansas from 4 commercial flocks and 12 backyard flock. For further information, visit the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Kentucky Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: October, 11 2022. Kentucky has had over 285,000 birds affected in 2 commercial flocks and 2 backyard flocks. For further information, visit the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

Louisiana Bird Flu Outbreak Information

No reported detections as of September 2023. There are no reported cases at this time. For further information, visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Maine Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: February 6, 2023. Maine has had 1,113 birds affected in 17 backyard flocks. According to the Maine Department of Agriculture - The risk for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains high in Maine, and backyard flock and commercial operators are urged to prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors and ensuring their outdoor areas are fully enclosed. For further information, visit the Maine Department of Agriculture.

Maryland Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: November 29, 2022. Maryland has had over 1.7 birds affected in 5 commercial flocks and 1 backyard flock. For further information, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Massachusetts Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: November 3, 2022. So far Massachusetts has had 330 birds affected in 3 backyard flock by the bird flu. For further information, visit the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

Michigan HPAI Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: March 23, 2023. So far over 38,000 birds in 1 commercial flock and 22 backyard flocks have been affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit the Michigan Agriculture and Rural Development.

Minnesota Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: May 11, 2023. Minnesota has had over 4.2 million birds in 81 commercial flocks and 31 back yard flocks have been affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit the Michigan Agriculture and Rural Development.

Mississippi Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: March 16, 2023. Over 124,000 birds in 2 commercial flocks and 3 backyard flocks have been affected. For further information, visit the Mississippi Board of Animal Health.

Missouri Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: May 18, 2023. Over 478,000 birds have been affected in 8 commercial flocks and 13 backyard flocks. The Mississippi Board of Animal Health has announced backyard auctions and exhibitions in Leake County are canceled for the duration of the outbreak. For further information, you can also visit the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Montana HPAI Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: April 14, 2023. Montana has had over 82,000 birds in 17 backyard flocks affected by the bird flu. For further information, you can visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

Nebraska Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: April 14, 2023. Nebraska has had over 6.7 million birds affected in 7 commercial flocks and 11 backyard flocks. For further information, visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Nevada Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: March 3, 2023. Nevada has had 3 backyard flocks with 1,660 birds affected by HPAI. For further information, visit the Nevada Department of Agriculture.

New Hampshire Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: January 23, 2023. New Hampshire has had 440 birds from 3 backyard flocks affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

New Jersey Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: November 2, 2022. New Jersey has had 216 birds in 4 backyard flocks affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

New Mexico Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: October 4, 2022. So far in New Mexico, 1 backyard flock with 40 birds have been affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit the New Mexico Department of Health.

New York HPAI Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: August 3, 2023. Over 21,000 birds affected in 1 commercial flock and 22 backyard flocks. New York is banning poultry shows and exhibitions to help safeguard against the avian flu outbreak. For further information, visit the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets.

North Carolina Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: May 18, 2023. North Carolina has had over 481,000 birds affected in 9 commercial flocks and 7 backyard flocks. For further information, visit the North Carolina Agriculture and Consumer Services.

North Dakota Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: April 19, 2023. North Dakota has had over 295,000 birds affected from 6 commercial flocks and 19 backyard flocks. For further information, visit the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

Ohio Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: January 18, 2022. Ohio has had over 3.7 million birds affected by the bird flu in 1 commercial flock and 8 backyard flocks. For further information, visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Oklahoma Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: December 6, 2022. Oklahoma has had over 13,000 birds affected by bird flu from 1 commercial flock and 4 backyard flocks. For further information, visit the Oklahoma Department of Health.

Oregon Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: March 30, 2023. So far, there has been 1,898 birds in 28 backyard flocks which have been affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Pennsylvania Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: March 17, 2023. Over 4.6 million birds have been affected in 31 commercial flocks and 36 backyard flocks. For further information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Rhode Island HPAI Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: October, 20 2022. So far Rhode Island has had 60 birds affected in 1 backyard flock by the bird flu. For further information, visit the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

South Carolina Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: November 3, 2022. There has been 1 backyard flock with 170 birds affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

South Dakota Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: April 19, 2023. Over 4 million birds in 63 commercial flocks and 15 backyard flocks have been affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit South Dakota Game Fish and Parks.

Tennessee Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: January 20 2023. Tennessee has had 4 commercial flocks and 5 backyard flocks with over 418,00 birds affected by HPIA. For further information, visit the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

Texas Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: March 22, 2023. 1,940 birds in 1 commercial flock and 5 backyard flock have been affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Utah Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: November 28, 2022. Utah has had over 2.2 million birds affected in 19 commercial flocks and 9 backyard flocks. For further information, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

Vermont Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: December 6, 2022. So far Vermont has had 80 birds in 2 backyard flocks affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.

Virginia Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: March 7, 2023. 2 commercial flocks and 8 backyard flocks with 37,950 birds has been affected. An additional 25,000 turkeys were euthanized due to HPAI exposure. For further information, visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Washington Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: February 14th, 2023. There has been 1 commercial flock and 41 backyard flocks with over 1 million birds affected. For further information, visit the Washington Department of Health.

West Virginia Avian Flu Outbreak Information

No reported detection as of September 2023: There are no reported cases at this time. For further information, visit the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Wisconsin Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: November 7, 2022. So far, in Wisconsin there have been over 3.3 million birds in 11 commercial flocks and 18 backyard flocks affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.

Wyoming Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Last reported detection: February 6, 2023. There have been 430 birds in 11 backyard flocks that have been affected. For further information, visit the Wyoming Fish and Game Department.

For additional information about the avian flu outbreak in all 50 US states, visit the USDA APHIS list of 2022-23 confirmations of HPAI in commercial and backyard flocks. Additionally, visit the Center for Disease Control for further information about HPAI infections.