Attention Poultry Producers! HPAI Detection

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detection


On February 9, 2022 the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspective Service (APHIS) announced the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in a U.S. commercial poultry  This outbreak of HPAI has been detected in a small number of counties in the Atlantic Flyway affecting poutlry production sites. This stems from the previous announcement in mid-January of HPAI in wild birds, the first since 2016’s outbreak.

What is the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)?

HPAI is a is an extremely contagious, multi-organ systemic disease of poultry leading to high mortality, and caused by some H5 and H7 subtypes of type A influenza virus, family Orthomyxoviridae. This is a serious disease and requires rapid response because it is highly contagious and often fatal to chickens. 

What to do if you are affected:

Organic producers should work with OneCert to determine the proper method and duration of confinement for their birds.

The National Organic Program (NOP) has released guidance on steps to take during an outbreak of infectious diseases. The NOP Policy Memo 11-12: Confinement of Poultry Flocks Due to Avian Influenza, or Other Infectious Diseases explains actions that producers can take to protect organic poultry flocks from infectious disease while also maintaining organic certification. Temporary confinement may be appropriate under certain conditions, such as an HPAI outbreak. You may also bring the birds inside on a temporary basis in areas in proximity to HPAI and LPAI detections, which are listed by USDA- APHIS.

Please read more about the guidance here:

NOP Policy Memo 11-12

USDA-APHIS also provides guidance to poultry producers, including free range and organic producers, regarding bio-security considerations for their operations. You can find more information on biosecurity practices and the avian influenza and/or other animal diseases below:

APHIS Avian Health
APHIS Animal Health

Stay up to date on the outbreak!

To stay up to date on any new detection, visit the USDA APHIS site:

USDA APHIS