Farm Progress America, January 15, 2026

The Avian Flu or bird flu has spread across 11 states since the end of December. Mike Pearson takes a look at the ongoing health crisis.

The new year hasn't brought relief from one of agriculture's most persistent challenges: highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Since December 29th, the virus has been confirmed across 11 US states, affecting both commercial operations and backyard flocks nationwide.

According to the latest Farm Progress America report, the outbreak has hit diverse poultry operations hard. The most significant losses include over 144,000 commercial egg layers culled in Butler County, Nebraska, nearly 100,000 broilers in Queens County, Maryland, and more than 30,000 ducks in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Widespread Impact Across Multiple States

The virus has been detected in:

The outbreak affects various bird types, from broiler breeders and table egg layers to turkeys, ducks, and upland game birds. Particularly concerning is the virus's presence in commercial farms, small backyard flocks, and live bird markets, including positive cases detected in New York City.

Global Trade Implications

The situation extends beyond US borders, with several European Union countries reporting new HPAI outbreaks this winter. These international developments are triggering regional movement restrictions and export limitations on poultry products, which could reshape global protein trade flows.

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When major EU poultry exporters face disease-related barriers, importing nations often seek alternative suppliers, potentially creating short-term export opportunities for US producers. However, continued domestic HPAI detections complicate this advantage, as each new outbreak pressures export markets and demonstrates the critical connection between animal health and international trade.

The widespread nature of these outbreaks underscores the importance of robust biosecurity measures and rapid response protocols across the entire poultry sector.