The Tennessee State Veterinarian has lifted statewide poultry restrictions on October 5, 2022, following a confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) infected backyard flock on September 15, 2022, in Obion County, Tennessee. The affected site remains quarantined, but no movement permit is required for poultry moving in or out of the 10 km (or 6.2 miles) control zone surrounding the infected site. Poultry shows, exhibitions, and sales can now resume throughout the state. Poultry owners need to maintain strong biosecurity procedures, stay vigilant, and report any signs of illness in their flocks. The HPAI virus is highly contagious, and poultry owners are encouraged to continue doing everything possible to keep their flocks healthy.

Avian Influenza (AI) is caused by Influenza virus type A. Avian Influenza is classified based on the combination of two groups of proteins on the surface layer of the virus. The AI virus contains 16 hemagglutinin or “H” proteins (H1-H16) and 9 neuraminidase or “N” proteins (N1-N9). Each combination of H-N proteins is considered a different subtype. Based on their genetics and the severity of the disease the viruses cause in poultry, the viruses are classified as “low pathogenic” or “highly pathogenic”. 

According to Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), as of October 12, 2022, the outbreak of HPAI has resulted in 238 commercial flocks and 280 backyard flocks infected with over 47.2 million birds affected in the U.S.

Information about Tennessee’s response to avian influenza and resources can be found online at www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/animals/animal-health/avian-influenza.html.