Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a serious disease and requires rapid response because it is highly contagious and fatal to poultry. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food works with federal and industry partners to quickly mobilize a response to any HPAI findings and prevent further spread of the disease. It is critical that all poultry owners have strong biosecurity plans in place.

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2024 Poultry HPAI Utah Detections

Date Confirmed	County	Facility Type	Number of Birds Affected	Quarantined/Released
11/19/24	Salt Lake	Backyard Poultry	38	Quarantined
11/19/24	Piute	Commercial Turkey	35,500	Quarantined
11/14/24	Piute	Commercial Turkey	34,800	Quarantined
11/12/24	Piute	Commercial Turkey	37,500	Quarantined
10/15/24	Cache	Commercial Egg Layer	1,852,900	Quarantined

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UDAF confirmed the first diagnosis of HPAI in a small backyard flock in Utah county on Friday, April 15, 2022. HPAI has been spreading across the United States resulting in high losses in the poultry industry. HPAI is a highly fatal disease in poultry that can be spread by waterfowl, which are usually asymptomatic. Waterfowl are the major source of infection at this time as they migrate across the United States.

Individuals involved in poultry production from small backyard flocks to commercial producers should practice strong biosecurity measures, including keeping poultry away from waterfowl, and to monitor for symptoms of HPAI, which include:

• death loss among flocks
• nasal discharge
• decreased appetite or water consumption
• and lack of coordination in birds.
• HPAI Signs of Infection

Flocks should not share water, feed, or grazing sources with wild birds or have access to wild bird habitats. Please see the resource below to ensure you are practicing safe biosecurity.

For more information including a nationwide map, click here.

For details on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Dairy Cattle, click here.

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If your birds are experiencing any of these symptoms,
contact the state veterinarian’s office immediately at [email protected]. 

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.Prevent the Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza:

Biosecurity Resources:

• HPAI Biosecurity Checklist
• Biosecurity Tips
• USDA APHI Defend the Flock Resource Center
• Practical Strategies to Reduce Risk of Disease in Backyard Flocks
• Biosecurity Principles: Protecting Your Investment Poultry Fact Sheet
• Control Area Handout for Backyard Bird Owners

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.For public outreach about HPAI or press information, visit here: ag.utah.gov/media

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