U.S. begins 2026 with HPAI impacting over 70,000 birds

Spread among wild birds

The virus is not confined to commercial operations. APHIS surveillance indicates that wild birds—including migratory waterfowl and scavengers—are also infected, often without showing symptoms, acting as stealthy carriers across regions. Notable mass die-offs were reported in late 2025, including around 200 Canada geese in Iowa and over ten swans in Orlando, Florida.

Surveillance and response efforts

APHIS emphasizes continuous coordination with state animal health authorities to ramp up surveillance across commercial farms, backyard flocks, and wildlife populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also supports monitoring efforts on public lands by:

• Testing dead or sick wild birds
• Enforcing biosecurity
• Enhancing early detection protocols

These proactive measures aim to contain the outbreak and prevent viral spillover.

Economic and industry implications

Since 2022, HPAI has devastated the U.S. poultry industry, with losses nearing 185 million birds raised for food. The egg-laying sector has been hardest hit, accounting for roughly 75% of the total losses, while turkeys account for 11% and broiler chickens approximately 8%.

This persistent virus circulation strains USDA response capabilities and drives up indemnity payments to farmers. Total expenditures from 2022 to 2025 have already reached nearly $1.8 billion.

Challenges ahead: biosecurity and vaccination debates

• Authorities continue to enforce strict biosecurity measures—including culling infected flocks and disinfecting premises—but recent analyses suggest that these efforts may not be enough.
• The virus can spread via wind or water, making containment increasingly difficult.
• Debate continues over expanding vaccination programs.
• Although USDA-licensed vaccines exist, federal concerns about trade restrictions have limited their use so far.

The road forward

With over 70,000 birds already impacted in early 2026 and widespread detection in wild populations, the United States faces mounting challenges. Coordinated surveillance, biosecurity, and possibly vaccination campaigns will be critical as the avian influenza crisis continues into the new year.