Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds through nasal and eye secretions and manure. The virus can be spread through interaction between wild birds and domestic birds, flock to flock, equipment, vehicles, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. This virus affects poultry, like chickens, ducks, turkeys, and wild bird species such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.

Currently, there are no Virginia commercial poultry farms under avian influenza quarantine. Given the prevalence of avian influenza in the wild bird population, all Virginia poultry owners (commercial and backyard) are encouraged to practice maximum biosecurity. The following are a few actions that can help poultry owners protect their flocks from contracting avian influenza:

• Limit, monitor, and record any movement of people, vehicles, or animals on or off your farm.
• Avoid visiting other poultry farms and any unnecessary travel off the farm.
• Disinfect equipment, vehicles, footwear, and other items that come into contact with flocks.
• Keep your flock away from wild or migratory birds, especially waterfowl.
• Isolate any ill animals and contact your veterinarian.
• For more information on improving biosecurity, visit Defend the Flock.
• If you have sick poultry or experience increased mortality in your flock, notify the State Veterinarian’s Office at 804-692-0601 or at vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov.

Reporting Sick or Dead Farm Birds

If domestic poultry (such as backyard flocks) or other farm birds exhibit signs of avian influenza (ranging from sneezing, coughing and ruffled feathers to sudden and high numbers of bird losses), bird owners should consult their local veterinary professional and notify state or federal animal health officials.

Virginia backyard flocks or commercial poultry owners should report unusual poultry illnesses or deaths to the State Veterinarian’s Office at 804-692-0601 or at vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov or call the USDA’s toll-free at
866-536-7593.

Influenza Detections in Dairy Cattle

In February 2024, an unknown disease affecting dairy cattle causing a temporary decrease in milk production, reduced feed intake, and abnormal milk was identified in Texas. In late March 2024, milking dairy cows with these signs tested positive for the same strain of virus that causes Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry. For more information on these detections, please visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock.

Biosecurity is a key element to reducing the spread of disease. It is recommended that new additions to a cattle herd be separated for 21 days to allow any disease symptoms that they may be experiencing to resolve, and any viral shedding to decrease to a level where it is unlikely that the new additions will infect others. Cows with abnormal milk or are otherwise showing signs of illness should be milked last to minimize the chances that they will spread an infectious disease to other cows in the milking string.

Avian influenza is not a food safety concern in meat or pasteurized milk. Milk and meat from sick cattle are prohibited from entering the food chain. Pasteurization effectively kills viruses and bacteria in milk, and proper food handling and cooking of meat to a safe internal temperature kills foodborne germs, including influenza A viruses.

• USDA Actions to Protect Livestock Health from Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza
• APHIS Requirements and Recommendations for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Virus in Livestock for State Animal Health Officials, Accredited Veterinarians and Producers
• Federal Order to Assist with Developing a Baseline of Critical Information and Limiting the Spread of H5N1 in Dairy Cattle: Frequently Asked Questions
• VDACS Provides Update to Virginia Cattle Producers Regarding Influenza in Dairy Cattle
• USDA APHIS Biosecurity Recommendations for Farm Workers
• USDA APHIS Influenza in Dairy Herds - Frequently Asked Questions

Avian Influenza Information & Resources

• 2022 – 2024 U.S. Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
• CDC: Avian Influenza Information
• Minimize Avian Influenza Transmission at Virginia Poultry Shows and Exhibitions (PDF)
• Practice Enhanced Biosecurity February 2023 (PDF)
• Practice Enhanced Biosecurity February 2023 (Spanish) (PDF)
• USDA-APHIS: Avian Influenza Information
• Virginia Initial Response and Containment Plan for Avian Influenza (PDF)
• Virginia Poultry Federation Poultry Farm Visit Biosecurity Guidelines (PDF)
• USDA APHIS – Defend the Flock

Avian Influenze Videos: (English/Spanish)

• Defend the Flock - Biosecurity Practices to Protect Your Poultry   
• Defienda Su Bandada - Practicas de Bioseguridad

Contact

Visit the Division of Animal and Food Industry Services directory.