Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

• The United States has seen detections of the Eurasian H5 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds and domestic poultry since 2022.
• Federal and State partners work jointly on additional surveillance and testing in and nearby affected areas, following existing avian influenza response plans.
• According to the CDC, the current public health risk is low. The CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.
• The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world. USDA continues to collect and test large numbers of samples from wild birds in the North American flyways.
• Livestock and poultry producers and owners should practice strict biosecurity; most importantly, prevent exposure to wild waterfowl.
• Highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in Texas dairy cattle. Learn more about these detections and the available resources in the HPAI and Dairy Cattle section below.

Avian Influenza (AI), caused by influenza type A viruses, is a contagious viral disease that poses a major threat to the poultry industry and animal health. Migratory waterfowl are a natural reservoir for this disease.

There are many strains of the AI virus that vary in severity based on the species affected. These strains are put into two general classifications, low pathogenic (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI). LPAI causes only minor illness and occurs naturally in migratory waterfowl. HPAI spreads rapidly and has a high death rate in birds.

Report Dead Poultry: 1-800-550-8242

Report Dead Wild Birds: Contact your TPWD Wildlife Biologist

What can bird owners do to protect their flocks? By practicing biosecurity, you can help reduce the chances of your birds being exposed to animal diseases such as AI.

• Eliminate opportunities for your birds to interact with wild birds. We know that wild waterfowl are carriers of disease. The best way to avoid diseases that wildlife carry is to keep domestic animals separated from the wild.
• If you have birds at home, do not visit another farm, home or facility that also has birds. If you must visit another premises, be sure to shower and put on clean clothes and shoes beforehand.
• Remember that vehicles can be vehicles for disease transmission. Before you drive down the road, consider where you are going. Will you be heading to the fair, another farm or a live bird market? If the answer is yes, be sure your vehicle is clean and free of dirt, manure and other organic material.
• Early detection can help prevent the spread of disease. Knowing the signs to look for and monitoring the health of your birds on a regular basis is very important. Some signs to look for include nasal discharge, unusually quiet birds, decreased food and water consumption, drop in egg production, and increased/unusual death loss in your flock.
• Report sick and dead birds immediately. If your birds appear sick or you have experienced increased mortality, immediately call your private veterinarian or your TAHC region office.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N1 virus is an emerging disease in cattle and was confirmed in Texas and other states in March 2024. Federal and state agencies work jointly to conduct testing, safeguard the health of the herds and protect the industry, keep our milk and beef supply safe, and protect public health and human safety based on the most up to date information available.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) has confirmed that the strain of the virus currently found in dairy cattle is very similar to the strain that appears to have been introduced by wild birds (H5N1, Eurasian lineage goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b). Initial testing has not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans. While cases among humans in direct contact with infected animals are possible, this indicates that the current risk to the public remains low.

Find the latest updates and recommendations related to HPAI in dairy cattle on the USDA HPAI Detections in Livestock webpage.

Dairy Cattle Movement

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a federal order, effective April 29, 2024, requiring lactating dairy cattle to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory, prior to interstate movement. Additional guidance and resources related to this order are available on the USDA website and below.

• Federal Order to Assist with Developing a Baseline of Critical Information and Limiting the Spread of H5N1 in Dairy Cattle: Frequently Asked Questions
• Testing Guidance for Labs for Influenza A in Livestock
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) HPAI Dairy Movement Testing Guidelines
• National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials Owner Hauler Statement for Lactating Dairy Cow Transport to Slaughter
  • TAHC requires that a copy of the completed owner hauler statement form and list of identification travel with each shipment of cattle.
  • The owner hauler statement form will be considered INCOMPLETE if any fields are left blank, identification is not listed, or if the form is unsigned by the owner/hauler.

HPAI in Dairy Cattle News

• July 25, 2024 TAHC Requires Pre-Movement Testing for Exhibition Dairy Cattle
• April 25, 2024 USDA APHIS Announces Federal Order Requiring Influenza A Testing Prior to Interstate Lactating Dairy Cattle Movements
• March 26, 2024 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Texas and Kansas Dairy Herds