Following the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Accomack County, Virginia, poultry owners are being urged to take action to protect their flocks. Virginia Cooperative Extension is joining the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in offering guidance to help prevent the spread of the virus in Virginia.

Michael Persia, a poultry expert with Extension and professor in Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, stresses that a proactive approach to biosecurity – whether managing backyard coops or large-scale commercial operations — is essential.

“This disease could be economically devastating to the industry and could cause backyard owners to lose their entire flock,” Persia said. “To help protect flocks, it’s important to take practical biosecurity measures to reduce and eliminate potential sources of infection. This includes minimizing exposure to wild birds, especially migratory waterfowl, which are the primary carriers of the virus.”

Persia explained the outbreak and what poultry owners should do to increase protection for their birds.

What is the current status of HPAI in Virginia?

The outbreak reported Jan. 16 in Accomack County follows outbreaks in neighboring states and marks the first case of HPAI in Virginia since 2022, when the virus first made its way to the United States. Since February 2022, more than 777 backyard flocks, 642 commercial flocks, and 136 million birds have been affected nationwide.

For poultry producers, this is a serious reminder to step up biosecurity efforts. The economic impact of an outbreak can be devastating, not just for commercial operations, but also for small-scale backyard flocks that could be wiped out. By implementing practical biosecurity measures now, producers can significantly reduce the risk of infection and help protect their birds from this highly contagious disease.

How is HPAI spread?

Migratory birds, especially those traveling along the Atlantic flyway, are the primary carriers of the virus. Infected birds shed the virus through saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. When there are migratory birds overhead, they are shedding that virus, whether it’s dropping into a pasture or being picked up and carried on a shoe.

Is there any risk of the outbreak spreading from the commercial facility to nearby producers?

Commercial poultry operations are held to strict biosecurity standards, which include isolating birds from potential sources of infection, such as wild and migratory birds. When a farm is affected, the entire flock is quickly depopulated, and the facility undergoes extensive cleaning and disinfection protocols. These measures prevent the virus from spreading.

What steps should poultry owners take to protect their birds from HPAI?

The most important thing right now is increasing biosecurity. This means:

  • Isolate your flock from wild birds, especially migratory species.
  • Use dedicated footwear when entering poultry areas. Shoes are the primary way the virus gets introduced to coops and poultry houses.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before and after interacting with birds.
  • Cover any exposed feed and water sources that your flock uses.
  • Remove wild bird feeders, bird baths, and other features that attract wild animals.
  • Keep coops and runs wildlife-free by using appropriate fencing and overhead cover.

Additional tips and resources can be found on Virginia Cooperative Extension’s biosecurity page.

How quickly does HPAI impact a flock if it is infected? What symptoms should poultry owners should look out for?

HPAI causes a high level of mortality very quickly. You can walk into the coop one day, and your birds will be dead. It's a very fast-moving disease, and it’s important to be vigilant. If you see any unexplained mortality, contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 804-786-2483 or vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov.

The signs of HPAI can include:

  • Sudden, unexplained death in the flock
  • Lack of energy and appetite
  • A drop in egg production
  • Respiratory symptoms like sneezing or coughing
  • Fatigue, hunching, isolating
  • Swollen or discolored faces or heads

Is there a risk to people consuming eggs or poultry products?

There is no risk to consumers from eating properly cooked eggs or poultry. The virus is primarily spread through direct contact with infected birds. As always, people should follow standard food safety guidelines, including cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any viruses.

How has the avian flu impacted egg production and prices in the U.S. and Virginia?

Since December, over 16 million laying hens in the U.S. have been infected and depopulated due to HPAI. This represents about 5 percent of the national laying flock. This has had a significant impact on egg prices and availability, with some shelves going empty with the reduced supply.

As we move past the holiday season, egg demand should decrease, prices should stabilize, but supply will remain tight until laying hens can be replaced. It’s important to note that chickens don’t fully mature and start egg production until they are about 5 months old, so replacing flocks is not a quick process.

What should producers do if they suspect HPAI in their flocks?

If you suspect your flock has been affected by HPAI, contact 804-786-2483 or vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov.

What about other animals that might be exposed to HPAI?

HPAI is an emerging disease affecting dairy cattle in some parts of the United States. Livestock should be kept at least 10 feet away from poultry buildings. This Extension publication offers tips for enhancing biosecurity at dairy operations. Additionally, keep cats and dogs away from wild birds, poultry, and cattle and their environments.

Additional Virginia Cooperative Extension resources on avian flu

About Persia

Mike Persia is a Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist and the John W. Hancock Professor of Poultry Nutrition and Management in the School of Animal Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The overarching focus of his research program aims to increase the efficiency of poultry meat and egg production.

Interview

To schedule an interview with Persia, contact Margaret Ashburn in the media relations office at mkashburn@vt.edu or 540-529-0814.

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