Avian Influenza Updates
Avian Influenza Alert
Preventing Outbreaks of Avian Influenza through Science-Based Education
Secure Food Supply (SFS) Plans
Commercial producers are encouraged to enforce biosecurity plans and develop Secure Food Supply (SFS) Plans, which are designed to provide business continuity in the face of a foreign animal disease outbreak.
Avian Influenza
Avian Influenza (AI), commonly called bird flu, is a disease found in some populations of wild water fowl that can infect chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese and guinea fowl, as well as a wide variety of other domesticated and wild birds. Once AI is introduced into domestic avian populations, subsequent spread is normally caused by domestic bird-to-bird contact or through contact with contaminated people, feed or equipment rather than through secondary introductions from the wild reservoir.
Each year there is a flu season for birds (just as there is for humans) and, as with people, some forms of the flu are worse than others. AI viruses can be classified as either low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) or high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) based on the severity of the illness they cause in poultry. Most AI strains are classified as LPAI and cause few clinical signs in infected birds. In contrast, HPAI causes a severe illness with a high mortality rate among infected birds. Because some LPAI strains have the potential to genetically change into HPAI, authorities will depopulate flocks infected with those strains of LPAI before they have the potential to change to HPAI and cause severe mortality.
It is important that all commercial and non-commercial poultry owners maintain effective barriers to mitigate the risk of AI. Biosecurity tips to prevent contact between domestic poultry and wild avian species can be found at the following:
Historical Avian Influenza Incidents
2024 Avian Influenza Incidents
November 25, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Flocks in Merced County and Tulare County
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two commercial flocks, one in Merced County and one in Tulare County. Control Areas have been placed in the following nine (9) California counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Marin, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all US detections in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov). Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
November 21, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Flocks in Kern County and Marin County
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two commercial flocks, one in Kern County and one in Marin County, California. The case in Kern County is in addition to the case announced on 11/12/24. Including these recent detections, California has nine (9) affected counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Marin, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all US detections in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov). Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
November 20, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Turkey and Broiler Flocks in Stanislaus County, Fresno County, and Merced County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial turkey flocks in Stanislaus County and Merced County and in a commercial broiler flock in Fresno County. These findings are in addition to the recent cases announced in San Joaquin County (11/15/2024), Kern County (11/12/2024), Fresno County (11/15/2024, 11/14/2024, 11/12/2024, and 10/30/24), Sonoma County (11/02/24), Sacramento County (11/02/2024), Tulare County (11/13/2024, 10/29/24, 10/24/24, and 10/16/24), Kings County (11/15/2024, 10/30/24 and 10/29/24), and Merced County (11/15/2024, 11/14/2024, and 09/18/24). All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
November 18, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial and Backyard Flocks in Kings County, Fresno County, and San Joaquin County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial broiler flocks and a backyard flock in Kings County; commercial turkey and broiler flocks in Fresno County; and a commercial broiler flock in San Joaquin County. These findings are in addition to the recent cases announced in Kern County (11/12/2024), Fresno County (11/14/2024, 11/12/2024, and 10/30/24), Sonoma County (11/02/24), Sacramento County (11/02/2024), Tulare County (11/13/2024, 10/29/24, 10/24/24, and 10/16/24), Kings County (10/30/24 and 10/29/24), and Merced County (09/18/24 and 11/14/2024). All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
November 15, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Turkey Flocks in Merced County and Fresno County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial turkey flocks in Merced County and Fresno County. This finding is in addition to the recent cases announced in Kern County (11/12/2024), Fresno County (11/12/2024, 10/30/24), Sonoma County (11/02/24), Sacramento County (11/02/2024), Tulare County (11/13/2024, 10/29/24, 10/24/24, and 10/16/24), Kings County (10/30/24 and 10/29/24), and Merced County (09/18/24). All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
November 14, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Backyard Flock in Tulare County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in Tulare County. This finding is in addition to the recent cases announced in Kern County (11/12/2024), Fresno County (11/12/2024, 10/30/24), Sonoma County (11/02/24), Sacramento County (11/02/2024), Tulare County (10/29/24, 10/24/24, and 10/16/24), Kings County (10/30/24 and 10/29/24), and Merced County (09/18/24). All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
November 13, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Flocks in Kern County and Fresno County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial broiler flock and a commercial turkey breeder replacement toms flock in Fresno County, as well as a commercial table egg layer flock in Kern County. These commercial flock findings are in addition to the recent cases announced in Sonoma County (11/02/24), Sacramento County (11/02/2024), Fresno County (10/30/24), Tulare County (10/29/24, 10/24/24, and 10/16/24), Kings County (10/30/24 and 10/29/24), and Merced County (09/18/24). All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
November 7, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Backyard Flock in Sonoma County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard chicken flock in Sonoma County. This backyard flock finding is in addition to the recent cases announced in Sacramento County (11/02/2024), Fresno County (10/30/24), Tulare County (10/29/24, 10/24/24, and 10/16/24), Kings County (10/30/24 and 10/29/24), and Merced County (09/18/24). All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard chicken flock in Sonoma County. This backyard flock finding is in addition to the recent cases announced in Sacramento County (11/02/2024), Fresno County (10/30/24), Tulare County (10/29/24, 10/24/24, and 10/16/24), Kings County (10/30/24 and 10/29/24), and Merced County (09/18/24). All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
November 4, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Commercial Turkey Flock in Sacramento County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Sacramento County. This commercial flock finding is in addition to the recent cases announced in Fresno County (10/30/24), Tulare County (10/29/24, 10/24/24, and 10/16/24), Kings County (10/30/24 and 10/29/24), and Merced County (09/18/24). All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
October 31, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Broilers Flocks in Kings County and Fresno County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in one commercial broiler flock in Kings County and one commercial broiler flock in Fresno County. These commercial and backyard flock findings are in addition to the recent cases announced in Tulare County (10/29/24, 10/24/24, and 10/16/24), Kings County (10/29/24), and Merced County (09/18/24). All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
October 30, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Backyard and Commercial Flocks in Kings County and Tulare County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two commercial broiler flocks in Kings County and one backyard flock in Tulare County. These commercial and backyard flock findings are in addition to the recent cases announced in Tulare County on 10/24/24 and 10/16/24 and Merced County on 09/18/24. All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
October 28, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a California Commercial Broiler Flock in Tulare County
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial broiler flock in Tulare County. This is the third detection of HPAI in domestic poultry since California was declared HPAI-free on June 28th, 2024. The previous detections occurred in a commercial turkey flock in Merced County on September 19, 2024, and in a mixed broiler/turkey flock in Tulare County on October 16, 2024. All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
October 22, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a California Commercial Poultry Flock in Tulare County
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock (mixed turkey/broiler operation) in Tulare County. This is the second detection of HPAI in domestic poultry since California was declared HPAI-free on June 28th, 2024. The previous detection occurred in a commercial turkey flock in Merced County on September 19, 2024. All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
September 19, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a California Commercial Turkey Flock in Merced County
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Merced County. This is the first detection of HPAI in domestic poultry since California was declared HPAI-free on June 28th, 2024. All detections of HPAI in poultry can be found here: 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov).
This HPAI virus spreads easily between birds and is lethal to poultry, so infected flocks are quarantined and euthanized, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the barns. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds; direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds; and contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals exposed to infected birds or cattle. The source of infection in these flocks is currently unknown and under investigation. Testing of other farms in the area, also known as surveillance testing, will be conducted over the next several weeks to determine the extent of spread. We strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling, or a twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, subscribe and follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook (Animal Health Branch – CDFA) and Instagram (AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA).
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. For public inquiries regarding HPAI in California, please call 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Hpai) Confirmed In Three California Dairy Herds
SACRAMENTO, August 30, 2024 — Cows at three California dairies located in the Central Valley have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). When the herds began showing clinical signs consistent with HPAI on August 23-25, 2024, samples from these three sites were submitted to our California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) laboratory network for preliminary determination, then submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), where the test results were confirmed today. The dairies have been placed under quarantine and enhanced biosecurity measures are in place to prevent the spread to other California dairies and farms.
According to WOAH, this incident does not affect the HPAI Free in Poultry status of California. The domestic HPAI in livestock outbreak has different WOAH reporting requirements than poultry.
No California domestic poultry flocks have been affected by the current incident; however, we strongly recommend continued vigilance by implementing heightened biosecurity protocols as we approach the fall migration season. Avian influenza viruses continue to circulate normally among migratory and wild birds. When some strains, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), are introduced by wild birds into domestic poultry farms, they can result in very high mortality in those flocks. In those cases, the affected flocks/sites are placed under quarantine and extensive response activities and public/industry outreach efforts are conducted to eliminate those outbreaks and protect uninfected birds and flocks.
Clinical signs of HPAI in poultry include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling or twisted neck. Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead poultry to the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this influenza virus is not considered a significant public health threat and the public health risk remains low. The California Department of Health (CDPH) will provide official confirmation of any human cases associated with this incident. While not recommended, if you handle sick or dead wild birds, use gloves (or a plastic bag turned inside out) to place the body in a garbage bag. Please contact your local public health department for further information on preventing avian influenza in people.
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, send an e-please send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please contact Steve Lyle with CDFA at 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to officeofpublicaffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.On June 28, 2024, the State of California completely fulfilled the necessary actions and surveillance requirements to again self-declare free from HPAI in Poultry.
All HPAI response activities have been completed. The Quarantine was released on the last infected eligible poultry premises (Merced 03) on: 6/13/2024.
The H5N1 HPAI incident in CA is now final, closed, and resolved.
February 2, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Backyard Flock in Placer County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in Placer County. In addition to this recent confirmation, there are active cases of HPAI in the following three (3) counties: Marin, Merced, and Sonoma. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.
To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
January 22, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Commercial Flock in Merced County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock in Merced County, California. The commercial flock is in addition to the recent cases previously detected in Merced County. The following three (3) counties have active control areas for HPAI: Marin, Merced, and Sonoma. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.
To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch – CDFA and on Instagram at @animalhealthbranch_cdfa.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
January 9, 2024: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Backyard and Commercial Flocks in Merced County, Sacramento County, and Sonoma County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Merced County, Sacramento County, and Sonoma County, California. These commercial and backyard flock findings are in addition to the cases announced in Merced County on 12/26/23 and Sonoma County on 12/28/23. The following four (4) counties have active infections of HPAI: Marin, Merced, Sacramento, and Sonoma. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated on weekdays at noon Eastern Standard Time.
To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch – CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
2023 Avian Influenza Incidents
December 27, 2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Commercial Flock in Merced County, California
Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock in Merced County, California. This is in addition to the recent case announced in Merced County on 12/21/23 and the following six (6) counties: Fresno, Lassen, San Benito, San Joaquin, Sonoma, and Stanislaus. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.
To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.govFor media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
December 21, 2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Flocks in Merced County, California
Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial flocks in Merced County. This is in addition to the recent cases in Merced County and the following six (6) counties: Fresno, Lassen, San Benito, San Joaquin, Sonoma, and Stanislaus. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.
To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.govFor media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
December 20, 2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Commercial Flock in Sonoma County and a Backyard Flock in Lassen County, California
Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock in Sonoma County and a backyard flock in Lassen County, California. The commercial flock is in addition to the recent cases previously detected in Sonoma County. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.
To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
December 19, 2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Commercial Flock and Backyard Flock in Sonoma County, California
Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock and a backyard flock in Sonoma County, California. This is in addition to the recent cases previously detected in this county. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.
To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
December 13, 2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Flocks in Merced County and San Joaquin County, California
Sacramento, CA - Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial flocks in Merced County and San Joaquin County. This is in addition to the recent cases during this year's fall bird migration in the following five counties: Fresno, Merced, San Benito, Sonoma, and Stanislaus. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.
To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
December 6, 2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Flocks in Stanislaus County, California
Sacramento, CA - Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial flocks in Stanislaus County. This is in addition to the recent cases during this year's fall bird migration in the following four counties: Fresno, Merced, San Benito, and Sonoma. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.
To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
December 1, 2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Flocks in San Benito and Sonoma Counties, California
Sacramento, CA - Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial flocks in both San Benito and Sonoma counties. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.
To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
The spread of the virus is promoted by wild birds, especially wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. As wild waterfowl migrate in the fall season, we anticipate increased movement of birds that are potential carriers of this virus, so we strongly urge poultry owners to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices, including limiting access to poultry areas in order to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to virus. Other biosecurity recommendations can be found on USDA's Defend the Flock Program website.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Clinical signs of HPAI in birds include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling or twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
November 21, 2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Commercial Flock in Fresno County, California
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock in Fresno County. The previous detection of HPAI in domestic birds was on October 26, 2023, in Merced County.
To protect other flocks in California, the location of the detected infected is currently under quarantine, and the birds have been euthanized to prevent further disease spread. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds especially in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. As we experience fall migration, we anticipate increased movement of migration birds so, we strongly urge poultry owners to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/ falling or twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our DFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch – CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to: OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
October 26, 2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a California Commercial Flock in Merced County
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock in Merced County. The last detection of HPAI in wild birds was August 14, 2023, in Monterey County.
To protect other flocks in California, the location of the detected infected is currently under quarantine, and the birds have been euthanized to prevent further disease spread. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds especially in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. As we experience fall migration, we anticipate increased movement of migration birds so, we strongly urge poultry owners to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling or twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
Stay Informed For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch – CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to: OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov
April 12, 2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Confirmed in a Backyard Flock in Modoc County
The Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a backyard flock in Modoc County, California.
As of today, HPAI has been detected in domestic flocks in the following 19 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Monterey, Placer, Sacramento, San Diego, San Joaquin, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tehama, and Tuolumne. In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI has been detected in wild birds in the following 44 California counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
February 6, 2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Confirmed in a Commercial Flock in Merced County and Backyard Flocks in San Joaquin and Placer Counties
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a California commercial flock in Merced County and in backyard flocks in San Joaquin County and Placer County. As of today, HPAI has been detected in domestic flocks in the following 18 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Placer, Sacramento, San Diego, San Joaquin, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tehama, and Tuolumne. In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI has been detected in wild birds in the following 44 counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
January 26, 2023: HPAI Wild Bird Detection in Santa Barbara County
The Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a wild bird species in Santa Barbara County, California.
As of today, HPAI has previously been detected in domestic flocks in the following 16 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, San Joaquin, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tehama, and Tuolumne. With this new detection, HPAI has been detected in wild birds in 44 counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to not having any lab submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through the movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with the virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
January 10, 2023: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Confirmed in Backyard Flocks in San Joaquin and Sonoma Counties
The Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in backyard flocks in San Joaquin County and Sonoma County, California.
As of today, HPAI has been detected in domestic flocks in the following 15 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, San Joaquin, Sonoma, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI has been detected in wild birds in the following 43 California counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
January 4, 2023: HPAI Wild Bird Detection in Imperial County
This is to notify you that the Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a wild bird species in Imperial County, California.
As of today, HPAI has previously been detected in domestic flocks in the following 13 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. With this new detection, HPAI has been detected in wild birds in 43 counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no lab submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans. If you need assistance with reviewing your existing avian biosecurity plan or need help developing your plan, please contact our Secure Food Supply Program staff at sfspermits@cdfa.ca.gov.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
2022 Avian Influenza Incidents
December 27, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Confirmed in a Commercial Flock in Glenn County and Detected in a Wild Bird in San Joaquin County
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a California commercial flock in Glenn County and in a wild bird in San Joaquin County. As of today, HPAI has been detected in domestic flocks in the following 13 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. To protect other California flocks, infected locations with domestic flocks are placed under quarantine and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI has been detected in wild birds in the following 42 counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds especially, in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. Poultry owners can protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices.
Please report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov)
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to: OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
December 19, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Confirmed in a Backyard Flock in Mendocino County
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a California backyard flock in Mendocino County. As of today, HPAI has been detected in domestic flocks in the following 12 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. To protect other California flocks, the infected locations are currently under quarantine, and the birds have been euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI was detected in wild birds in the following 41 counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds especially, in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. Poultry owners can protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds, especially in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can be a source of spread as well. The disease is also spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling or twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Please report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to: OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
December 16, 2022: HPAI Confirmed in a Backyard Flock in Butte County
This is to notify you that the Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a backyard flock in Butte County, California.
As of today, HPAI has previously been detected in domestic flocks in the following 11 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. HPAI has been detected in wild birds across 41 counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no lab submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
December 14, 2022: HPAI Wild Bird Detection in Del Norte County
This is to notify you that the Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a wild bird species in Del Norte County, California.
As of today, HPAI has previously been detected in domestic flocks in the following 11 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. With these new detections, HPAI has been detected in wild birds in 41 counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no lab submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans. If you need assistance with reviewing your existing avian biosecurity plan or need help developing your plan, please contact our Secure Food Supply Program staff at sfspermits@cdfa.ca.gov.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
December 12, 2022: HPAI Wild Bird Detection in Amador County
This is to notify you that the Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in wild birds in Amador County, California.
As of today, HPAI has previously been detected in domestic flocks in the following 11 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. With these new wild bird detections, HPAI has been detected in 40 counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no lab submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
December 6, 2022: HPAI Wild Bird Detections in Sutter and Yuba Counties
This is to notify you that the Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in wild bird species in Sutter County and Yuba County, California.
As of today, HPAI has previously been detected in domestic flocks in the following 11 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. With these new detections, HPAI has been detected in wild birds in 39 counties: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no lab submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans. If you need assistance with reviewing your existing avian biosecurity plan or need help developing your plan, please contact our Secure Food Supply Program staff at sfspermits@cdfa.ca.gov.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
November 16, 2022: HPAI Wild Bird Detection in Kern County
This is to notify you that the Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in wild bird species in Kern County, California.
As of today, HPAI has previously been detected in domestic flocks in the following 11 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. With this new detection, HPAI has been detected in wild birds in 37 counties: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no lab submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans. If you need assistance with reviewing your existing avian biosecurity plan or need help developing your plan, please contact our Secure Food Supply Program staff at sfspermits@cdfa.ca.gov.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
November 10, 2022: HPAI Wild Bird Detection in Humboldt County
The Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a wild bird species in Humboldt County, California.
As of today, HPAI has previously been detected in domestic flocks in the following 11 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI has been previously detected in wild birds in the following 35 counties: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
November 8, 2022: HPAI Wild Bird Detection in Merced County
The Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a wild bird species in Merced County, California.As of today, HPAI has previously been detected in domestic flocks in the following 11 California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI has been previously detected in wild birds in the following 34 counties: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no lab submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
November 4, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in a Backyard Flock in San Diego County and in Wild Birds in Contra Costa, San Bernardino, Shasta, and Ventura Counties
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in San Diego County and in wild birds in Contra Costa County, San Bernardino County, Shasta County, and Ventura County. HPAI had previously been confirmed in domesticated flocks in the following 10 (ten) counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. To protect other California flocks, the infected locations have been quarantined and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI in wild birds have been detected in the following previous 30 counties: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Lassen, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Benito, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, Yolo. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds, especially in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. Poultry owners can protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices, especially by preventing contact between their flock and wild waterfowl.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling or twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Please report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov)
For public inquiries regarding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to: OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
October 18, 2022: HPAI Detections in Wild Birds in San Diego, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, San Benito, Marin, and Lassen Counties in California
The Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in wild birds in San Diego, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, San Benito, Marin, and Lassen Counties in California.
As of today, HPAI has previously been detected in domestic flocks in the following 10 (ten) California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI has been previously detected in wild birds in the following 24 counties: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Los Angeles, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, Yolo.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no lab submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans. Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
October 12, 2022: HPAI Detection in Wild Birds in Los Angeles County and Orange County, California
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Wild Birds in Los Angeles County and Orange County, California.
As of today, HPAI has previously been detected in domestic flocks in the following 10 (ten) California Counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI has been previously detected in wild birds in the following 22 counties: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, Yolo.
It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no lab submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.
Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.
Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.
October 4, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in Stanislaus County, Monterey County, and Del Norte County
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock in Stanislaus County, a commercial flock in Monterey County, and a backyard flock in Del Norte County, California. As of today, HPAI had previously been confirmed in domesticated flocks in the following counties: Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Sacramento, and Tuolumne. To protect other California flocks, the infected locations have been quarantined and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI in wild birds have been detected in the following 22 counties: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, Yolo. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds, especially in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. Poultry owners can protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling or twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Please report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov)
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to: OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
September 29, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in a Backyard Flock in Calaveras County
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in Calaveras County, California. As of today, HPAI had previously been confirmed in domesticated flocks in the following counties: Butte, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Sacramento, and Tuolumne. To protect other California flocks, the infected locations are quarantined and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI was previously detected in wild birds in the following nineteen counties: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Mendocino, Napa, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, and Yolo. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds, especially in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. Poultry owners can protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling or twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Please report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov)
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to: OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
September 23, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in Wild Birds in Additional Counties
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds in three additional counties: Fresno, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz. HPAI was previously detected in wild birds in the following sixteen counties: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Mendocino, Napa, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, and Yolo.
As of today, HPAI had previously been confirmed in domesticated flocks in the following six (6) California counties: Butte, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Sacramento, and Tuolumne. To protect other California flocks, the infected locations are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
The viral spread is promoted by wild birds, especially in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in Northern California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no lab submissions from those counties). Poultry owners can protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling or twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Please report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov)
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to: OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
September 13, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in a Backyard Flock in El Dorado County
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in El Dorado County, California. As of today, HPAI has been confirmed in domesticated flocks in the following 6 (six) California counties: Butte, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Sacramento, and Tuolumne. To protect other California flocks, the infected locations are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI was detected in wild birds in the following sixteen counties: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Mendocino, Napa, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, and Yolo. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds, especially in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. Poultry owners can protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling or twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Please report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov)
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to: OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
August 30, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in a Commercial Flock in Sacramento County
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Sacramento County, California. This is in addition to the previously confirmed backyard flock that CDFA announced on August 11, 2022. As of today, HPAI has been confirmed in domesticated flocks in the following counties: Butte, Contra Costa, Fresno, Sacramento, and Tuolumne. To protect other California flocks, the infected locations are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI was detected in wild birds in the following fourteen counties: Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Mendocino, Napa, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, and Yolo. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds, especially in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. Poultry owners can protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling or twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Please report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov)
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to: OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
August 24, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in Tuolumne County
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a California commercial flock in Tuolumne County. HPAI has also been detected in domesticated flocks in the following counties: Butte, Contra Costa, Fresno, and Sacramento. To protect other California flocks, the infected locations are currently under quarantine, and the birds have been euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI was detected in wild birds in the following thirteen counties: Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Mendocino, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, and Yolo. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds especially, in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. Poultry owners can protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds, especially in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can be a source of spread as well. The disease is also spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.
Clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling or twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922- BIRD (2473).
Please report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov)
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to: OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
August 22, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Fresno and Contra Costa Counties
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a California commercial flock in Fresno County. While this virus has impacted commercial flocks in most other states in the U.S. since last January, this is the first commercial flock to be found infected in California. HPAI has also been recently detected in a backyard flock in Contra Costa County. To protect other California flocks, the infected locations are currently under quarantine, and the birds have been euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
As of August 22, 2022, HPAI has been detected in backyard flocks in Sacramento County, Butte County, and Contra Costa County and in a commercial flock in Fresno County, California. In addition to domestic flocks, HPAI was detected in wild birds in the following twelve counties: Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Mendocino, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, and Stanislaus. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds especially, in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. Poultry owners can protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current detections of HPAI in birds does not present a public health concern and the public health risk remains low. While not recommended, if you handle sick or dead wild birds, use disposable gloves (or a plastic bag turned inside out) to place the body in a garbage bag. No birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the food chain. As a reminder, it is recommended that all poultry and eggs are properly handled and cooked to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F as a food safety precaution. Please contact your local public health department for further information on preventing avian influenza in people.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. We are urging poultry owners to increase their biosecurity practices. Biosecurity is the measures taken to prevent disease from entering and/or leaving a premises or location. Although this outbreak of avian influenza is primarily being spread by wild birds, the virus can be further spread between domestic flocks through contact with infected poultry, from contaminated equipment, and even the shoes and clothing worn by poultry caretakers.
Here are some biosecurity recommendations to help protect your flock:
- Wash your hands before and after handling your birds. This includes when handling birds from coop to coop.
- Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing your birds into an enclosure that is covered.
- If you have bodies of water on your property such as ponds or ditches, consider draining them to avoid attracting wild birds, and keep your domestic birds away from this potentially contaminated water.
- Use sanitized well or city water for your birds.
- Prevent rodents and predators from entering your coop.
- Prevent pets such as cats and dogs from eating dead wild birds.
- Keep feed covered and spills cleaned up to avoid attracting wild birds and rodents.
- Wash and disinfect boots and equipment when moving between coops.
- Do not share equipment or supplies with neighbors.
- Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses.
- Clean and disinfect your shoes and vehicle tires after visiting feedstores and other places frequented by other poultry owners or wild bird hunters.
- Avoid visiting places where wild birds congregate such as lakes and ponds.
Report any unusual or suspicious numbers of sick or dead domestic birds immediately to the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473. Monitor your birds for the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Clear, runny discharge from nose, mouth, and eyes
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Drinking less
- Swollen eyes, head, wattles, or combs
- Discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs
- Stumbling, falling, or twisted neck
- Sudden death
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov)
For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to: OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch – CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
More information on avian influenza and how to protect flocks through biosecurity measures can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website.
August 11, 2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Confirmed in California Backyard Flock
Sacramento, CA – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in Sacramento County. In addition to this confirmation, HPAI has also been detected in wild birds in the following twelve counties: Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Mendocino, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, and Stanislaus. The viral spread is promoted by wild birds especially in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. Poultry owners can protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices.
To protect other flocks in California, the confirmed infected location is currently under quarantine, and the birds have been euthanized to prevent further disease spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current detections of HPAI in birds does not present a public health concern and the public health risk remains low. While not recommended, if you handle sick or dead wild birds, use gloves (or a plastic bag turned inside out) to place the body in a garbage bag. Please contact your local public health department for further information on preventing avian influenza in people.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. We are urging poultry owners to increase their biosecurity practices. Biosecurity is the measures taken to prevent disease from entering and/or leaving a premises or location. Although this outbreak of avian influenza is primarily being spread by wild birds, the virus can be further spread between domestic flocks through contact with infected poultry, from contaminated equipment, and even the shoes and clothing worn by poultry caretakers. Here are some biosecurity recommendations to help protect your flock:
- Wash your hands before and after handling your birds. This includes when moving from coop to coop.
- Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing your birds indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed and covered.
- If you have bodies of water on your property such as ponds or ditches, consider draining them to avoid attracting wild birds, and keep your domestic birds away from this potentially contaminated water.
- Use sanitized well or city water for your birds.
- Prevent rodents and predators from entering your coop.
- Keep feed covered and spills cleaned up to avoid attracting wild birds and rodents.
- Wash and disinfect booths and equipment when moving between coops.
- Do not share equipment or supplies with neighbors.
- Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses.
- Clean and disinfect your shoes and vehicle tires after visiting feedstores and other places frequented by other poultry owners or wild bird hunters.
- Avoid visiting places where wild birds congregate such as lakes and ponds.
Report any unusual or suspicious numbers of sick or dead domestic birds immediately to the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473. Monitor your birds for the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Clear, runny discharge from nose, mouth, and eyes
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Drinking less
- Swollen eyes, head, wattles, or combs
- Discolored or bruised comb, wattles or legs
- Stumbling, falling or twisted neck
- Sudden death
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov)
Stay Informed
For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch – CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
More information on avian influenza and how to protect flocks through biosecurity measures can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website.
July 15, 2022
Avian Influenza Virus Detected in Wild Birds in California
July 8, 2022
USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Nevada
June 8, 2022
Avian Influenza Confirmed in Cormorants in Arizona
May 6, 2022
USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Oregon and Washington
April 28, 2022
State health officials investigate a detection of H5 influenza virus in a human in Colorado. CDC Press Release: U.S. Case of Human Avian Influenza A (H5) Virus Reported.
February 23, 2022
The California State Veterinarian has imposed a quarantine and additional entry requirements on all live poultry, hatching eggs and poultry products originating from an area affected by an HPAI outbreak and entering California.
February 14, 2022
February 9, 2022
January 30, 2022
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) was notified of high mortality in a commercial turkey farm in Western Nova Scotia. The CFIA National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease has confirmed that the virus was H5N1, similar to the viruses reported in non-poultry and wild birds in December 2021 in the provinces of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
January 18, 2022
January 14, 2022
USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Wild Bird in South Carolina
2021 Avian Influenza Incidents
December 22, 2021: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Detected in Eastern Canada
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was detected in birds on an exhibition farm on an island off the Atlantic Coast of Canada. The exhibition farm contained multiple bird species (chicken, turkeys, emus, geese, ducks, guinea fowl and peafowl) as well as multiple mammalian species. This event is on-going, and surveillance is underway in the infected area and surrounding areas.
October 22, 2021: Avian Influenza Season is Here
Waterfowl and shorebirds (known reservoirs of Avian Influenza) are migrating, and it is important to be vigilant to mitigate chances of Avian Influenza infection during this time. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Ensure your flock is biosecure: Review your biosecurity plan and make sure your employees do so as well. Refer to CDFA's Commercial Poultry & Backyard Poultry Biosecurity pages and USDA's Simple Wildlife Practices Factsheet.
- Know the signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
- Call your veterinarian at the first signs of illness, or if you do not have a regular veterinarian, call the Sick Bird Hotline 1-866-922-2473.
- Keep an eye on wild birds: Check the CDFW Avian Investigations webpage for further details, and to know when to call to report dead wild birds. You can also refer to the California Waterfowl Tracker to better assess the locations of waterfowl relative to poultry farms.
We have had four introductions of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza this year in California in domestic poultry. All were spillovers from wildlife, two of them in October. Every farm carries a unique risk and, in some instances, poultry cannot be separated from wild birds; but where possible, we recommend separation through next May. We do not want to repeat 2014/15!
2020 Avian Influenza Incidents
December 23, 2020: Avian flu season is here!
Waterfowl and shorebirds (known reservoirs of Avian Influenza) are currently migrating and winter "avian flu" season is here. Unfortunately, current conditions are similar to those in Winter of 2014-'15 when two strains (H5N8 and H5N2) of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) were detected along the Pacific coast, first in wild birds and backyard flocks, then in two separate commercial poultry flocks in California. HPAI introduced by wild birds then devastated Midwest poultry operations. HPAI is a transboundary disease that is an emergency reportable condition and must be reported to CDFA within 24 hours.
Two key factors make Winter 2020-'21 similar to 2014-'15:
- A high number of HPAI outbreaks (H5N8 and other strains) in poultry and wild birds in several Asian countries. This is key as three of the major flyways (East Asia/Australasia, Pacific Americas, Central Americas) mix in Alaska where birds can swap AI viruses. Birds in the Pacific Americas Flyway then migrate through California.
- California is experiencing a late wet season with less standing surface water, forcing birds to closely congregate at stopovers and making it easier for diseases to spread between birds.
Wild birds are not going to change their natural behavior and therefore it is up to poultry producers and other bird owners to protect their birds against any possible HPAI by:
- Ensure Your Flock is Biosecure: Review your biosecurity plan and make sure your employees do also, and refer to CDFA's Commercial Poultry & Backyard Poultry Biosecurity pages. Simple Wildlife Practices.
- Know the Signs of HPAI.
- Call your veterinarian at the first signs, or if you do not have a veterinarian, call the Sick Bird Hotline 1-866-922-2473.
- Keep an eye on wild birds: Check the CDFW Avian Investigations webpage for further details and to know when to call to report dead wild birds. You can also refer to the California Waterfowl Tracker to better assess the locations of waterfowl relative to poultry farms.
April 9, 2020: USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic H7N3 Avian Influenza in a Commercial Flock in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
More Information on Avian Influenza
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CDFA Animal Health and Food Safety Services,
Animal Health Branch
Sacramento, California 95814
Phone: 916-900-5002
Fax: 916-900-5333
Email: ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov
