Poultry health: HPAI and organics

Abstract

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) poses a significant threat to both conventional and organic poultry operations in the United States. Avian influenza, commonly known as “bird flu,” is a respiratory disease found in wild and domestic birds. When particularly virulent forms emerge that are highly contagious and lethal to domestic poultry, they are classified as HPAI. In the United States, HPAI was first detected in birds in 1959, in humans in 1996, and in domestic flocks in 2014-15. The current outbreak began with detection in wild birds in December 2021, followed by the detection in domestic birds in February 2022. The ongoing outbreak has implications for both conventional and organic producers.