Has the Avian Flu Outbreak Affected Your State?

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 58.6 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

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 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?

1. coughing
2. sneezing
3. darkened comb/wattles
4. swelling of the head/eyes
5. nasal discharge
6. lethargy
7. loose droppings
8. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 for up-to-date information about the avian flu outbreak.

US States A-G

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia

US States H-L

• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana

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

• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota

US States T-Z

• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Alabama Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit the Alabama Public Health Department.

Alaska Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information about HPAI, visit the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

Arizona Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For further information, visit the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

Arkansas Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information about HPAI, visit the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.

California Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: February 17th, 2023. There have been reports in California from 1 commercial flock and 3 backyard flocks, affecting over 29,000 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

Updated: January 20th, 2023. Colorado has had 40 birds affected in 1 backyard flock. 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

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. 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 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information about HPAI, visit the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

Florida Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: February 28th, 2023. Florida recently confirmed the bird flu virus in 2 backyard flocks with over 520 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: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information about bird flu, visit the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Hawaii Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. 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: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. 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: February 24th, 2023. There have been 18,200 birds affected in 1 commercial flock. For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Indiana Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. 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: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and land Stewardship.

Kansas Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: February 13th, 2023. There have been over 17,00 birds affected in Kansas from 1 commercial flock and 1 backyard flock. For more information, visit the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Kentucky Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

Louisiana Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. No reported cases at this time. For more information, visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Maine Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: February 6th, 2023. There have been 70 birds affected in 2 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 more information, visit the Maine Department of Agriculture.

Maryland Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Massachusetts Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resouces.

Michigan HPAI Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Michigan Agriculture and Rural Development.

Minnesota Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Michigan Agriculture and Rural Development.

Mississippi Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: February 17th, 2023. Over 89,000 birds have been affected in 1 commercial and 1 backyard flock. For more information, visit the Mississippi Board of Animal Health.

Missouri Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Update: February 13th, 2023. There have been 9 birds affected in 1 backyard flock. The Mississippi Board of Animal Health has announced backyard auctions and exhibitions in Leake County are canceled for the duration of the outbreak. For more information, you can also visit the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Montana HPAI Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

Nebraska Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Update: February 23rd, 2023. 420 birds have been affected in 1 backyard flock. For more information, visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Nevada Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 3rd, 2023. There has been 1 backyard flock with 20 birds affected by HPAI. For more information, visit the Nevada Department of Agriculture.

New Hampshire Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Update: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

New Jersey Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Update: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

New Mexico Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Update: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the New Mexico Department of Health.

New York HPAI Outbreak Information

Update: February 15th, 2023. 250 birds have been affected in 1 backyard flock. 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: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the North Carolina Agriculture and Consumer Services.

North Dakota Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Update: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

Ohio Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Update: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Oklahoma Bird Flu Outbreak Information

Update: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Oklahoma Department of Health.

Oregon Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Pennsylvania Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 4th, 2023. Over 203,000 birds have been affected in 11 commercial flocks and 4 backyard flocks. Over 32,000 birds were affected at a duck farm, and 3,200 were affected at a poultry farm in Lancaster County. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Rhode Island HPAI Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

South Carolina Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

South Dakota Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit South Dakota Game Fish and Parks.

Tennessee Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2003. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

Texas Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Utah Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

Vermont Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.

Virginia Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: February 23rd, 2023. 1 backyard flock with 800 birds has been affected. An additional 25,000 turkeys were euthanized due to HPAI exposure. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Washington Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: February 14th, 2023. There has been 1 backyard with 60 birds affected. For more information, visit the Washington Department of Health.

West Virginia Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. No reported cases at this time. For more information, visit the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Wisconsin Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: March 2023. So far, in 2023, no birds have been affected by the bird flu. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.

Wyoming Avian Flu Outbreak Information

Updated: November 7th, 2023. There have been 6 birds in 1 backyard flock 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.