HARRISBURG, PA — State agriculture officials on Tuesday reaffirmed Pennsylvania’s aggressive response to the ongoing avian influenza threat, highlighting the critical role of the state’s veterinary laboratories in protecting a poultry industry valued at $7.1 billion.
Deputy Secretary for Animal Health and Food Safety Lisa Graybeal led a tour of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, emphasizing that early testing and strict biosecurity remain the most effective defenses against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The event followed confirmation of new infections at six Lancaster County poultry farms, affecting nearly 58,000 birds.
Since the latest HPAI outbreak began in February 2022, Pennsylvania has lost more than 7.1 million birds across 100 flocks in 23 counties — making it one of the largest animal health crises in state history. Graybeal credited the state’s coordinated approach and investment in laboratory testing for minimizing losses and maintaining confidence in the safety of Pennsylvania poultry products.
“Testing to monitor and detect avian influenza has been an indispensable tool to minimize damage during what has been the biggest animal health crisis in American history,” Graybeal said. “Our veterinary teams, farmers, and state partners have shown unwavering commitment to recovery and prevention.”
The state’s three diagnostic facilities — located in Harrisburg, University Park, and Kennett Square — processed more than 672,000 animal health samples over the past year. A fourth lab under renovation at Penn State’s Beaver Campus is expected to expand capacity and shorten response times once operational, backed by a $6 million investment in the 2024–25 budget and $2 million proposed for next year’s operations.
State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg stressed that on-farm biosecurity is as vital as laboratory testing. “When every farm has a biosecurity plan and everyone who enters follows it, disease risks are lower and recovery is quicker,” Hamberg said.
To aid affected producers, the Shapiro Administration has distributed nearly $15.7 million in HPAI Recovery Grants to 292 applicants, with $59.6 million remaining in reserve. The administration’s 2025–26 budget proposal includes an additional $11 million to maintain funding for recovery and prevention initiatives.
Industry leaders say the sustained state support has been pivotal. “Pennsylvania has set a gold standard for animal disease response,” said PennAg Industries Executive Vice President Chris Herr. “Our labs, grants, and coordinated response ensure that poultry farmers can recover and stay in business.”
Potential Impact
Experts warn that the coming months will be critical as migratory birds — a major vector for HPAI — pass through the region. Renewed infections could disrupt poultry exports, tighten egg supplies, and increase food prices. However, the state’s expanded testing network and recovery funding are expected to mitigate economic fallout and protect long-term industry stability.
With poultry ranking among Pennsylvania’s top agricultural sectors, maintaining consumer confidence and farmer resilience remains a top priority. The state’s comprehensive surveillance and funding model could serve as a template for other agricultural states facing recurring biosecurity threats.
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