MDARD Encourages Animal Owners to Continue Taking Steps to Prevent HPAI as Wild Birds Migrate

While highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has not been detected in Michigan's domestic animals since March 2026, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) encourages animal owners to remain vigilant and take preventative measures as wild birds start their fall migration.

"Since the current outbreak of HPAI began in February 2022, wild birds have been prominent carriers of this virus, serving as the most common cause for the spread of this disease. As wild birds have started to migrate this year, the virus...

Alveo Technologies Partners with Alliance Global (AGBL) to Expand Access to Avian Influenza Testing 

Alveo Technologies, Inc., a global leader in rapid, point-of-need molecular diagnostics for early disease detection, today announced a distribution agreement with Alliance Global (AGBL) to bring the Alveo Sense Poultry avian influenza test to farmers, integrators and public health officials across the Africa, Central Asia and a portion of the Eastern Mediterranean at a time when the threat of bird flu has never been more urgent.

Avian influenza is spreading at alarming rates, infecting more than 208 million domestic birds in the U.S. alone...

New Wildlife Hospital to Bolster Western Australia's Bird Flu Response

The Cook Labor Government has committed $1.5 million in funding to the South West's first dedicated wildlife hospital as part of Western Australia's bird flu response.

The Margaret River Wildlife Hospital is set to open in late October and will significantly increase WA's capacity to treat native wildlife, support wildlife rehabilitation and respond to wildlife emergencies such as bird flu.

It is a partnership between WA Wildlife and Wildlife Recovery Australia and will provide specialist care for sick, injured and orphaned native animals, including threated species, filling a longstanding service gap outside the metropolitan...

Australia: Shoalhaven City Council - Third Bird Flu Case Confirmed in Shoalhaven

A third case of H5 bird flu has been detected in the Shoalhaven, with a deceased seagull at the Vincentia Boat Ramp testing positive for the disease.

Council is reminding residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife.

Acting Mayor Peter Wilkins said the detection highlights the importance of community awareness and responsible pet management when visiting beaches, foreshore areas and public reserves.

"While the risk to human health remains low, this latest detection is a timely reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing the spread of disease and protecting local wildlife," Cr Wilkins said..

Shoalhaven City Council - Bird Flu Detected at Dolphin Point

A second case of bird flu has been detected in the Shoalhaven with Council advised that the H5 bird flu has been detected in an Australian tern at Dolphin Point.

As a precaution, biosecurity signs are being installed at Dolphin Point. The area remains open, with visitors encouraged to keep dogs on a lead, supervise children and avoid contact with sick or dead birds.

Acting Mayor Peter Wilkins said the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is leading the response to any detection of H5 bird flu in...

State Government of Western Australia - Successful First Meeting of Bird Flu Wildlife Advisory Group

Leaders of the State's most prominent wildlife organisations have set a road map for providing advice to government about dealing with the threat of bird flu to wildlife in Western Australia.

This happened at the inaugural meeting of the Bird Flu Wildlife Advisory Group on Thursday where disease preparedness and response measures were discussed.

With increasing reports of spread among wild birds and some mammals in other States, the group committed to support ongoing response efforts focused on minimising impacts on wildlife, animal and human health...

State Government of Western Australia - Bird Flu Grants Boost Wildlife Preparedness Across WA

The first round of funding through the Cook Government's $2 million Bird Flu Wildlife Resilience Grants has been awarded, providing immediate support to wildlife rehabilitators across Western Australia.

Eight recipients will receive a total of $50,000 to support practical, community-led projects that reduce biosecurity risks, strengthen wildlife rehabilitation capacity and help protect vulnerable native species.

The grants will support a range of activities including improving biosecurity protocols and practises, purchasing equipment, and caring for sick or injured native birds or wildlife...

WHO - Asia-Pacific Regional Influenza Network Sharpens Focus on Avian Influenza Preparedness

As more countries in the Asia-Pacific region grapple with outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) impacting animals, with the potential for spillover to humans, countries are being urged to ensure their health systems are prepared to swiftly detect and respond to this zoonotic threat.

This week, over 150 influenza experts, laboratory scientists and public health officials concluded the 19th Biregional Meeting of National Influenza Centres and Influenza Surveillance co-organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for South-East Asia and Regional...

Alveo Technologies Partners with AgriNerds to Create Avian Influenza Surveillance System

Alveo Technologies, Inc., a global leader in rapid, point-of-need molecular diagnostics for early disease detection, today [August 25, 2026] announced a strategic partnership with AgriNerds Inc, which has developed the Waterfowl Alert Network, a first-of-its-kind dynamic surveillance and awareness program that predicts historic and daily waterfowl activity around the nation's poultry and livestock farms. The partnership will pair Alveo's unique, rapid, molecular diagnostic with AgriNerds' Waterfowl Alert Network, a proprietary system that uses a combination of satellite imagery, weather radar, and telemetry...

Purdue Researchers Lead USDA Study on Foggers for Avian Influenza

The interior of a commercial poultry house is a high-density place where a single particle of an airborne respiratory virus can replicate quickly, infecting and sickening all the birds within days. Right now, when highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strikes, farmers have no choice but to depopulate their entire flock, and often those on neighboring farms as well, to halt the spread of the deadly disease. 

Imagine, however, if poultry producers could deploy a device that cleanses the air and surfaces of their facilities with no harm to the...

Australia: Statement from the Minister for Primary Industries (Qld) – H5 Bird Flu

Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul Confirms Avian Influenza Case in Backyard Flock

The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul has registered its first confirmed case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in backyard poultry, in the municipality of Coqueiros do Sul, located in the northwest region of the state. The diagnosis was confirmed by the Federal Agricultural Defense Laboratory in Campinas on Friday, July 17, according to the Government of Rio Grande do Sul.

The notification was first received on July 14, when a team from the Department of Animal Health Surveillance and Defense, under the State Secretariat of...

Brazil Detects First 2026 Case of Avian Flu in Wild Bird in São Paulo State

The Brazilian state of São Paulo has confirmed its first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a wild bird in 2026, following the detection of the virus in the municipality of Guaíra.

According to an official statement published by the Municipality of Guaíra on July 16, the virus was identified in a free-ranging irerê, a species of wild duck also known as a white-faced whistling duck. The bird had been found by a local family in the Reynaldo Stein neighbourhood and...

NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet - Second Wild Migratory Bird H5 Avian Influenza 

Avian Influenza Cases Fall in the EU During the Spring

Detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) declined in Europe during the spring of 2026 and are expected to remain low over the summer, according to the latest quarterly monitoring report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the EU reference laboratory (EURL). The risk to the general public remains low.

Between 28 February and 4 June 2026, EU Member States reported 186 outbreaks in poultry and captive birds, as well as 763 detections in wild birds. While the number...

UK: Avian Influenza Prevention Zone Lifts as Risk Reduces

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZs) in place across Great Britain will be lifted from noon 4 June 2026, the Chief Veterinary Officer has announced today.  

The measures were first introduced across the whole of England on 13 December 2024 to prevent the spread of Avian Influenza and have been vital in protecting flocks across the country from the virus which is circulating in wild birds.  

The latest risk assessment supported by the best epidemiological and scientific evidence shows that the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) levels has reduced.  

While the risk has reduced in poultry and wild birds...

Texas Confirms First HPAI Case of 2026 in Dairy Cattle, Farm Quarantined

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed at a Texas dairy farm, marking the state's first reported case in dairy cattle this year, according to Texas animal health officials.

The case was identified after cattle exhibited clinical signs, including illness and reduced milk production. Samples were confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory on May 30, 2026.

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) said it is conducting epidemiological investigations to determine the source and extent of the infection. The affected dairy has been placed under quarantine, while state and federal officials work to contain the virus and prevent further spread.

China Lifts HPAI Poultry Export Restrictions for 17 States

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) this week updated its China export restrictions webpage to reflect that China has lifted HPAI-related poultry export restrictions for 17 states, effective May 15, 2026. The states are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. Only products produced on or after May 15, 2026 are eligible for export to China from these states.

BACKGROUND: China had been blocking raw poultry imports from U.S. states affected by HPAI outbreaks. Under...

PAHO Signs Agreement to Reserve Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Supply for Latin America & the Caribbean

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) today announced a historic agreement with CSL Seqirus aimed at securing a reserved share of pandemic influenza vaccines production for countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in the case of a future influenza pandemic.

The agreement establishes a mechanism that reserves a fixed percentage of the company’s global pandemic influenza vaccine output for participating PAHO Member States. Participating countries will have the option to access an initial reserved allocation of vaccines.

“This agreement is a direct response to the...

Global Virus Network Statement on H5N1 Vaccine Developments

The Global Virus Network (GVN), representing eminent human and animal virologists from more than 90 Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in over 40 countries dedicated to advancing research, collaboration, and pandemic preparedness, unequivocally supports and is very encouraged by recent developments in vaccines targeting H5N1 avian influenza, including the initiation of a Phase 3 clinical trial by Moderna for its mRNA-based H5N1 vaccine candidate (mRNA-1018), with the majority of clinical sites based in the United Kingdom and additional sites in the United States. This effort, supported by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research...

First Continent-Wide Map of Dominant Avian Influenza Strain Explains Its Spread

An international group of scientists mapped the spread of the current dominant strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus through North American bird populations in 2024. Led by scientists from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the collaboration provides a comprehensive view of this novel flu spreading through birds in North America. The investigators collected and sequenced samples from birds across the continent, letting them map the virus's spread. They also compared the virus from birds to those causing human infections, showing that current human vaccine stockpiles will likely...

US CDC and Indonesian Government Strengthen Avian Influenza Preparedness

Palembang, Indonesia — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its implementor Health Security Partners, concluded a four-day tabletop exercise and field training this week aimed at strengthening District and Provincial Rapid Response Teams in South Sumatra Province.  The exercise, held April 7-10 in Palembang, brought together the CDC and key Indonesian government agencies to enhance bilateral preparedness against avian influenza and other emerging infectious disease threats.

The collaborative exercise was coordinated with Indonesia’s Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, and Natural Resources Conservation Agency, demonstrating the whole...

USPOULTRY and Foundation Approve More Than $570,000 in New Research Grants 

USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation have approved more than $570,000 in funding for seven new research grants at institutions across the country through the Comprehensive Research Program. The funding was authorized by the boards of both organizations following recommendations from the Foundation Research Advisory Committee (FRAC), a group of industry experts who evaluate proposals based on their potential to deliver meaningful impact. Representing a wide range of scientific disciplines and industry sectors, the FRAC plays a critical role in ensuring research investments address the most relevant challenges...

USDA Funds $2M Project to Test Novel Antiviral Fogging Technology Against Avian Influenza

A research team led by Purdue University, with partners Entomol and 1,4Group, has been awarded $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to evaluate a novel antiviral fogging technology to combat high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) which remains a serious threat to poultry health and the global food supply. 

The project's lead investigator is Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, Assistant Professor of Poultry Medicine at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on avian influenza vaccines...

UK: Preparing to Let Birds Outside Again From Thursday 9 April 2026

Mandatory housing measures for poultry and other captive birds will be lifted in England and Wales from 00:01am on Thursday 9 April 2026.

As birds may have been housed for several months, there is a seven day notice period to give keepers time to prepare.

Keepers should follow the guidance on preparing to let birds outside again, including cleansing and disinfecting hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroducing wild bird deterrents.

Birds must still be housed if you are in a protection zone or...

UK: Avian Influenza Housing Measures Lifted

Mandatory housing measures for poultry and flocks of more than 50 captive birds will be lifted from Thursday 9 April in England and Wales, the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed today.

The measures were introduced across the whole of England on 6 November last year to prevent the spread of bird flu. The latest risk assessment supported by the best epidemiological and scientific evidence shows that the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) levels in wild birds and poultry has reduced.

This means poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can now be kept outside. The Avian...

The Americas Strengthen Surveillance Against Avian Influenza

Professionals from official veterinary services from 15 countries in the Americas participated in the first in-person workshop of the Latin America Edition 2025/2026 of the Regional Program for the Systematic Education of Veterinary Services (ProgRESSVet), focused on strengthening epidemiological surveillance and the early detection of avian influenza in the region.

The meeting took place in Panama City and brought together professionals who have been participating in the virtual phase of the program since March 2025. The initiative is coordinated by the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) at the...

MDARD Urges Animal Owners to Continue Taking Steps to Prevent HPAI as Wild Birds Migrate this Spring

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) urges animal owners to remain vigilant and take preventative measures against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as wild birds complete their spring migration.

“When wild birds move, so does HPAI. Even though there were only three cases of HPAI detected so far this year, the spring migration season brings an increased risk for transmission of the virus,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “This virus thrives in the cool damp conditions that are common as spring arrives...

New $1.9 Million Grant Lets Montana State Team Deepen Understanding of Avian Flu

With the support of a recent federal grant, a team of Montana State University microbiologists will spend the next three years expanding and deepening research into one of the world’s most damaging agricultural viruses, capitalizing on cutting-edge facilities and technologies housed at the university.

Assistant professor Emma Loveday of the College of Agriculture’s Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology is the lead investigator on a $1.9 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study HPAI, or highly pathogenic avian influenza, more commonly known as “bird flu.” Avian influenza viruses are very diverse and originate in wild aquatic birds...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Kent County Commercial Flock

Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock from Kent County. This is the second detection of HPAI in Kent County since the virus was first detected in the state in 2022. MDARD continues to strongly recommend owners remain vigilant and actively protect their animals from HPAI, especially as the wild birds carrying this virus complete their spring migration.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds...

Poultry Shows, Exhibitions in Southern Wisconsin Counties Suspended Due to HPAI

In an effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is suspending all poultry shows, exhibitions, swap meets, and movement of poultry to other events in the following southern Wisconsin counties: Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Kenosha, Lafayette, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha...

Commissioner Declares Georgia is “HPAI-Free” Following Detections in Three Commercial Flocks

Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced that the State of Georgia has officially regained its status as free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry as of March 13th. This follows detections of HPAI at a single commercial poultry operation in Hart County and two in Walker County, marking seven detections of Avian Influenza in commercial poultry or waterfowl operations in the state since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022. This designation allows for the resumption of exports and international trade of Georgia poultry products as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Jefferson County

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County.

DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) animal health officials are working together in a joint incident response. The affected premises has been quarantined to restrict movement of poultry and poultry products. Birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.

The H5N1 HPAI virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021...

ANALYSIS: Regional Self-Sufficiency and Freight Economics Weigh on US Cage-Free Market

The cage-free market remains under pressure this week as sluggish nationwide demand and shifting regional logistics reshape traditional trade flows. While more than 8.5 million layers have been lost to HPAI in 2026, roughly 80% of those losses have been concentrated in the Northeast. As a result, the Northeast is one of the few regions showing meaningful buying interest, though the impact on the broader spot market has been limited thus far. Retail, foodservice, further processing, and export demand all remain subdued, leaving spot market interest thin and supplies long across both cage-free and conventional segments...

Seek Labs Awarded $2 Million Federal Grant for a Novel CRISPR-Based Therapeutic to Combat Avian Flu

Seek Labs, a private TechBio company building a programmable disease response platform to detect, protect, and counter disease threats, has been awarded $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to develop a novel, mutation-resistant therapeutic for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) using the company’s proprietary Programmable Target Ablation Platform (PTAP). The award is part of a broader federal push aimed at combating avian influenza, which has led to poultry production disruption, higher egg and poultry prices, and strained food supply...

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Dairy Herd in Wisconsin

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) assay a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 clade 2.3.4.4b in a dairy cattle herd in Wisconsin. APHIS will complete genetic sequencing and announce final results as soon as they are available. This confirmation was a result of routine National Milk Testing Strategy testing, not pre-movement surveillance.

This marks the first known case of HPAI... 

ANALYSIS: Turkey Supply Constraints Drive Market Fundamentals

As the industry enters the final stretch of the year, market participants are watching production metrics closely to assess how 2025 ultimately unfolded. Year-to-date (YTD) data continues to affirm a structurally constrained supply environment, defined by persistent headcount erosion only partially offset by elevated live weights. These dynamics remain central to the challenges confronting both buyers and sellers, with implications that increasingly appear poised to carry into the new year.

Cumulative turkey headcount has fallen 11.3% from 2020 levels and 2.4% from a year ago, with 2025 totals landing at 170.2 million, a new historical low. The accelerating year-over-year (YOY) decline...

The Retail Rundown: Cheaper Turkeys Hit Shelves Despite Wholesale Price Surge

This Thanksgiving, holiday shoppers might spot some relief: retail turkey prices have eased, even as wholesale values climb toward near-record highs.

Ongoing challenges, such as persistent bird flu outbreaks and relatively low hatch rates, have limited production all year, leaving supplies exceptionally thin ahead of the holiday. 

While retailers secure turkeys well in advance to build cold-storage inventories, frozen whole-bird stocks in 2025 remain near seasonal record lows, leaving little supply cushion...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #32

Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.

Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #32."

This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text.

...

This week, the US administration has continued to pressure trading partners like India to curb imports of Russian oil as to sanction the country during its war with Ukraine, cited Expana...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29

Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.

Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29."

This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text.

...

On September 29, the US placed 50% tariffs on imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products, according to the US Presidential Action. 

Also starting October 1, the US will be imposing 100%...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28

Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.

Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28."

This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text.

...

On Tuesday in New York, US President Trump gave remarks to the United Nations General Assembly, via the White House live stream...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27

Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.

Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27."

This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text.

...

US tariff revenue may be used to fund the nation’s farmers, reported Reuters about an interview between Agriculture Secretary Rollins and the Financial Times...