The U.S Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed nearly 1 million broiler chickens and turkeys in California have been affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) over the past week.

The majority of the nearly 794,000 broilers being depopulated in California are located in Kings and Fresno County, but an operation of 29,100 birds was also confirmed with the virus a little more north in San Joaquin County.

APHIS has also confirmed the virus in commercial turkey operations in Merced and Stanislaus Counties. Nearly 189,000 turkeys are being depopulated as a result.

The outbreak in poultry is not surprising given California has been a hot bed for the virus in dairy cattle in recent days. In the past 30 days alone, APHIS has confirmed just over 200 dairy herds in California with the virus. Thirteen dairy herds in Utah have also been confirmed with the virus over the past 30 days, and two commercial turkey operations in Piute County were confirmed with it just over the past week. According to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, approximately 70,000 turkeys will be depopulated.

Meanwhile, HPAI has been confirmed in a non-commercial backyard flock in Honolulu County, Hawaii, the first case of HPAI in domestic birds in Hawaii during the current outbreak, which began in February 2022.

Samples from the flock were tested at the Hawaii State Laboratories Division, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

APHIS said is working closely with state animal health officials in Hawaii on a joint incident response and will provide appropriate support as requested. 

Vigilance remains key

APHIS recommends anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Visit APHIS’ Defend the Flock Resource Center for materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit.

In addition to practicing good biosecurity, APHIS said all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to state/federal officials.