As of January 3, 2025, since the start of the current avian influenza outbreak in the United States on February 8, 2022, 130.33 million birds have been affected. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a total of 1,376 flocks in 50 states. Of those, 623 flocks have been commercial, and 753 flocks have been backyard. In addition to the poultry flocks affected, since March 25, 2024 through January 3, 2025, a total of 915 confirmed cases in 16 states have been reported in dairy cattle herds. California, alone, has reported 699 confirmed cases in dairy cattle. California has also reported 132 confirmed cases in poultry flocks (96 commercial flocks and 36 backyard flocks) affecting 22.7 million birds since the outbreak started. There have been 115 confirmed flocks test positive for HPAI within the last 30 days affecting a total of 17.84 million birds in the U.S.
Tennessee has had one recent affected backyard flock reported on December 30, 2024. Neighboring states have not done so well in the past 30 days. Alabama has had two confirmed flocks affecting 116,050 birds. Arkansas has had six confirmed flocks affecting 227,870 birds. Mississippi has had two confirmed flocks affecting 236,000 birds. It is clearly evident that the HPAI threat continues and that everyone should be practicing the highest level of biosecurity to protect their flocks. Wild bird detections of H5N1 from samples of hunter harvested birds have increased, especially in the West Tennessee area. There has also been a wastewater detection of H5N1 in Hamilton County as well. There is no way to determine the prevalence in any one area of the state, and we must assume that wild birds throughout the whole state are affected. The virus is very active across Tennessee and much of the rest of the country as well at this time.
There appears to be no let up in the HPAI threat and we should expect the threat to continue throughout the spring migration season which is just around the corner. Commercial growers, company service technicians and live operations personnel, and backyard flock keepers should be on high alert for any unusual symptoms or death losses in their flocks and immediately report anything out of the ordinary. I mention this often but please be vigilant with your biosecurity practices. Yes, it requires more time and effort on your part, but nowhere near the amount of time, effort, and expense you will face if your flock should be affected by HPAI. Isolation is highly recommended as much as possible. Limit movement on and off your property. Keep a visitor’s log and know who comes and goes and why. Whether you are a commercial grower or backyard flock keeper, consider wearing disposable boots in the barn or chicken coop or dedicate footwear that only gets worn in the barn or chicken coop. It’s very easy to track the virus into your barn or coop through infected manure on the bottom of your boots. HPAI has to be put in the barn or coop…it doesn’t just magically appear there….so BE CAREFUL and take no chances.
I spent two weeks in December in California helping USDA dispose of HPAI affected flocks. Believe me, you do not want to have to go through what I saw folks in California going through. Biosecurity may seem like extra work but it’s nothing compared to what you will face if HPAI should strike your flock. Remain vigilant, protect your flocks, and immediately report anything suspicious with your flock…coughing, sneezing, drastic drop in water intake, increased mortality, etc.
UT Animal Science/Extension continues to monitor the situation and is committed to supporting our stakeholders and clientele throughout this continuing threat. As stewards of animal health and welfare across the livestock and poultry industries, our team of experts are constantly reviewing this changing and challenging situation and will continue to provide updates as necessary.
