HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is deploying additional personnel and expanding testing efforts to combat a recent spike in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, a fast-spreading virus that has already killed millions of birds and threatens the state’s $7.1 billion poultry industry.
What This Means for You
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Additional state and federal staff are being deployed to affected areas.
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Testing capacity has been expanded to speed up diagnoses and containment.
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Poultry producers are being urged to strengthen on-farm biosecurity measures.
Governor Josh Shapiro announced that the Commonwealth is mobilizing more resources in response to rising infections among poultry flocks.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, often referred to as HPAI or “high-path avian flu,” is a contagious virus that affects birds and can spread quickly through commercial and backyard flocks. When detected, affected sites are quarantined and birds are typically euthanized to prevent further spread.
Starting immediately, 42 employees from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will assist 55 Commonwealth veterinarians and agriculture staff, four Penn State Extension experts, and three members of the Pennsylvania National Guard Civilian Support Team. The administration is also deploying up to six additional state employees and working to secure more resources for high-volume testing and enhanced biosecurity.
“Since day one, my Administration has worked aggressively to support Pennsylvania poultry farmers and reduce the spread of Hi-Path Avian Influenza – and today, we are deploying more resources to address this challenge head on,” Shapiro said. He added that the state will continue working with federal partners and industry leaders “to mitigate the impacts of HPAI.”
Industry Impact
Since the current outbreak began in February 2022, Pennsylvania has lost more than 14.3 million birds. Approximately half of those losses have occurred since the start of 2026.
State response teams are currently working in 21 locations across the Commonwealth, where the virus has affected 7.2 million birds.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said response teams intensify efforts when cases rise.
“When cases rise, we intensify. Our teams are on the ground immediately, our labs have increased testing capacity and have expedited results to support the response, and we are coordinating daily with USDA and industry leaders,” Redding said. He urged producers to “double down on biosecurity,” calling vigilance “the strongest defense.”
Biosecurity measures include limiting farm access, disinfecting equipment and vehicles, controlling wildlife exposure, and monitoring flocks for signs of illness.
Expanded Testing Capacity
When a case is detected, state animal health teams deploy alongside federal and local emergency management officials. They quarantine affected farms, conduct testing, oversee virus elimination, and guide cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Pennsylvania’s Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System has expanded its testing capacity. Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the system processed 672,342 HPAI tests, including more than 200,000 poultry samples and 29,000 cattle samples.
Since January 2026, laboratories have conducted approximately 8,000 additional tests in six weeks, covering 80,000 birds.
State officials said the coordinated response is intended to protect flocks, minimize economic disruption, and safeguard Pennsylvania’s poultry sector as infections continue to rise.
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