A comprehensive guide to keeping yourself informed about the HPAI outbreak.
The avian flu outbreak in the United States has affected commercial and backyard flocks of over 43.5 million birds in 39 states. An additional 41 states have reported HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) cases that have also been found in wild bird species. 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
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.
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, 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.
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 – 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
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.
Click on your state below to read up-to-date information about the avian flu outbreak.
US States A-G
US States H-L
US States M-N
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- New Mexico
- New York
US States O-S
US States T-Z
Alabama Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: May 25th, 2022. There have been no reported cases in any backyard or commercial chicken flocks in Alabama. Although a single case of the HPAI A(H5N1) virus was confirmed in February in a hunted duck known as the American wigeon from Limestone County. However, since then, the virus has not been detected in Alabama. For further information, visit the Alabama Public Health Department.
Alaska Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: August 2nd, 2022. There have been 50 birds in 2 backyard chicken flocks affected by avian flu. A new strain of bird flu has been detected in a red fox that has died in the Aleutian Islands. It was most likely feeding upon birds that had died from the H5N1 avian influenza. For more information about HPAI, visit the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.
Arizona Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: June 1st, 2022. No reported cases at this time. For further information, visit the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
Arkansas Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: May 31st, 2022. There are no reported cases, but Arkansas has enacted an emergency rule through July 2022. The state is concerned about the bird flu threat to the commercial poultry industry in Arkansas. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service – Arkansas poultry farmers produced $3.9 Billion in broilers and another $443 Million in Turkeys. For more information about HPAI, visit the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
California Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: September 1st, 2022. Additional cases have been reported in California from 8 commercial flocks and 4 backyard flocks, affecting over 480,000 birds. The birds have been put euthanized and will not be put on the market for human consumption. 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
Updated: June 9th, 2022. Colorado has had over 3.5 million birds affected. These birds were from 4 commercial flocks and 3 backyard flocks. Although the risk of HPAI to humans remains very low, there has been one reported case of human infection in Colorado from a person working on a farm with infected poultry. For more information about HPAI, visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Connecticut Bird flu Outbreak Information
Updated: March 1st, 2022. So far, there have been 160 birds affected in 1 backyard flock. 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
Updated: March 17th, 2022. There have been 3 commercial flocks with over 1.4 million birds affected. To prevent the spread of the avian flu outbreak, the Delaware Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the State Epidemiologist Office, has issued a directive for all live poultry competitions and exhibits at the 2022 Delaware State Fair to be canceled. For more information about HPAI, visit the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Florida Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: July 21st, 2022. Florida recently confirmed the bird flu virus in 1 backyard with 160 birds. 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 more information or to report bird mortalities online.
Georgia Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: June 1st, 2022. Georgia recently confirmed the bird flu virus in 1 backyard flock with 490 birds. Dozens of the birds on the farm died within 24 hours, officials were asked to investigate, and bird flu was confirmed. For more information about bird flu, visit the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Hawaii Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: May 25th, 2022. There are no reported cases at this time. For more information, visit the State of Hawaii Department of Health.
Idaho Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: May 24th, 2022. There have been 988 birds affected in 25 backyard flocks. For more 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
Updated: May 17th, 2022. There have been 150 birds affected in 4 backyard flocks. For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Indiana Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: June 9th, 2022. There have been over 189,000 birds affected in 9 commercial flocks and 4 backyard flocks. For more information, visit the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, where you can also sign up for email and text updates.
Iowa Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: May 4th, 2022. So far, Iowa has been one of the states hit hardest by the avian influenza outbreak. Over 13.3 million birds have been affected in 15 commercial and 4 backyard flocks. For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and land Stewardship.
Kansas Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: April 27th, 2002. There have been over 7,500 birds affected in Kansas from 1 commercial flock and 5 backyard flocks. For more information, visit the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
Kentucky Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: February 15th, 2022. There have been over 284,000 birds affected in Kentucky in 2 commercial flocks. For more information, visit the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
Louisiana Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: May 25th, 2022. No reported cases at this time. For more information, visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Maine Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: June 29th, 2022. There have been 913 birds affected in 13 backyard flocks. For more information, visit the Maine Department of Agriculture.
Maryland Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: April 18th, 2022. Over 1.7 million birds have been affected in Maryland, affecting 4 commercial flocks. For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Massachusetts Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: March 29th, 2022. There have been 260 birds affected from 1 backyard flock. For more information, visit the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resouces.
Michigan HPAI Outbreak Information
Updated: May 10th, 2022. Over 35,000 birds have been affected in 1 commercial flock and 12 backyard flocks. For more information, visit the Michigan Agriculture and Rural Development.
Minnesota Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: September 7th. Over 3.1 million birds have been affected in 62 commercial and 22 backyard flocks. For more information, visit the Michigan Agriculture and Rural Development.
Mississippi Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: May 25th, 2022. There are no reported cases at this time. For more information, visit the Mississippi Board of Animal Health.
Missouri Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Update: April 6th, 2022. There are over 434,000 birds affected from 6 commercial flocks and 3 backyard flocks. For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Montana HPAI Outbreak Information
Updated: July 26th, 2022. There have been over 78,000 affected birds in 10 backyard flocks and wild turkey populations. For more information, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
Nebraska Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Update: April 29th, 2022. Over 4.8 million birds have been affected in 4 commercial and 4 backyard flocks. For more information, visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
Nevada Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: July 7th, 2022. There has been 1 backyard flock with 40. birds affected with HPAI. For more information, visit the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
New Hampshire Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Update: March 16th, 2022. There have been 150 birds affected in New Hampshire from 1 backyard flock. For more information, visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
New Jersey Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Update: May 17th, 2022. There have been 60 birds affected from 1 backyard flock. For more information, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
New Mexico Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Update: May 25th, 2022. No reported cases at this time. For more information, visit the New Mexico Department of Health.
New York HPAI Outbreak Information
Update: April 6th, 2022. Over 9,500 birds have been affected in 1 commercial flock and 7 backyard flocks. New York is banning poultry shows and exhibitions to help safeguard against the avian flu outbreak. For more information, visit the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets.
North Carolina Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Update: April 12th, 2022. There have been over 481,000 birds affected in 9 commercial flocks. For more information, visit the North Carolina Agriculture and Consumer Services.
North Dakota Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Update: May 17th, 2022. 167,000 birds have been affected in 4 commercial flocks and 11 backyard flocks. For more information, visit the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.
Ohio Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Update: September 3rd, 2022. Over 3 million birds have been affected in 1 commercial in Defiance County and 3 backyard flocks in various counties. For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Oklahoma Bird Flu Outbreak Information
Update: April 30th, 2022. There has been 1 commercial flock affected with 13,800 birds. For more information, visit the Oklahoma Department of Health.
Oregon Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: July 28th, 2022. There have been 1160 birds affected in 11 backyard flocks. For more information, visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Pennsylvania Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: August 11th, 2022. Over 4.2 million birds have been affected in 17 commercial flocks and 1 backyard flock. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Rhode Island HPAI Outbreak Information
Updated: May 25th, 2022. No reported cases at this time. For more information, visit the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
South Carolina Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: May 25th, 2022. No reported cases at this time. For more information, visit the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
South Dakota Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: May 19th, 2022. Over 1.6 million birds have been affected in 36 commercial and 4 backyard flocks. For more information, visit South Dakota Game Fish and Parks.
Tennessee Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: May 25th, 2002. No reported cases at this time. For more information, visit the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Texas Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: April 3rd, 2022. There have been 1,700 birds affected in 1 commercial flock. For more information, visit Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Utah Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: July 26th, 2022. Over 1.5 million birds have been affected in 4 commercial flock and 5 backyard flocks. For more information, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Vermont Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: April 28th, 2022. Just 1 backyard flock with 30 birds has been affected. For more information, visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.
Virginia Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: February 12th, 2022. Just 1 backyard flock with 90 birds has been affected. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Washington Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: July 26th, 2022. There have been 30 backyard flocks with 2,180 birds affected. For more information, visit the Washington Department of Health.
West Virginia Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: May 25th, 2022. No reported cases at this time. For more information, visit the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
Wisconsin Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: September 2nd, 2022. Over 3 million birds in 8 commercial and 15 backyard flocks have been affected as of May 2022. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.
Wyoming Avian Flu Outbreak Information
Updated: May 20th, 2022. There have been 350 birds in 8 backyard flocks that have been affected. For more 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 confirmations of HPAI in commercial and backyard flocks. Additionally, visit the Center for Disease Control for more information about HPAI infections.
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