Ag Matters: Fall Migration Elevates HPAI Concerns

As fall bird migration gets underway, the USDA is warning livestock and poultry producers to remain on high alert for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. With new cases continuing to pop up in both dairy herds and poultry flocks, officials stress that ongoing monitoring, producer education, and strict biosecurity are critical to stopping the spread. USDA Undersecretary Dudley Hoskins noted that the seasonal movement of wild birds always elevates the threat level across farms. 

It’s not just poultry being watched—the USDA is also using nationwide milk testing to keep tabs on avian flu in dairy cows. That surveillance caught new infections in Washington, Kansas, and Texas over the last month. Hoskins says this milk monitoring program has quickly become a key line of defense for spotting and containing the virus in livestock.

That testing system also helps reassure consumers about the safety of dairy products.

While dairy cattle generally bounce back from infection, Hoskins points out that poultry producers face far more devastating losses. Controlling the virus in poultry requires depopulating entire infected flocks, followed by extensive cleaning, disinfection, and official audits before operations can safely resume. Hoskins added that while public attention centers on cows and birds, the virus is capable of infecting a wide variety of other animal species as well. 

USDA continues emphasizing strong day-to-day biosecurity practices on every operation, regardless of size, species, or location.

For farmers looking to strengthen their defenses against HPAI, Hoskins says USDA offers a range of resources, including biosecurity assessments and cost-share programs to help address vulnerabilities on the farm. He encourages producers to visit USDA’s HPAI website, review the tools, and contact USDA if they’d like help evaluating their farm’s biosecurity.