Pennsylvania Poultry Farms to Boost Biosecurity Against HPAI

By Blake Jackson

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding is urging Pennsylvania poultry producers to strengthen biosecurity measures to safeguard their flocks and businesses amid heightened seasonal risks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

The poultry industry in Pennsylvania, valued at $7.1 billion, continues to recover with support from the state’s HPAI Recovery Grants, which help farms and poultry businesses rebuild after devastating losses.

“The Shapiro Administration stands with Pennsylvania farmers in good times and bad. Hi-Path Avian Influenza has been the biggest animal health crisis in American history. I am proud of this Administration’s aggressive response, including the nation’s first dedicated relief fund to help compensate farmers for their losses," said Sec. Redding.

"We pledged in March 2023 that this Administration would double down on our efforts to support farmers and reduce the spread of Avian Flu and that’s exactly what we did.

“Governor Josh Shapiro proposed a 2025-26 budget that continues to include crucial support for farmers hit by the avian influenza crisis. We are standing with them and working every single day to protect their flocks, because when our farmers succeed, Pennsylvania succeeds.”

Pennsylvania’s HPAI Recovery Grant program has been essential in aiding farmers. The state allocated $25 million in each of the last three budgets for the HPAI Recovery Fund, providing nearly $15.7 million to 292 applicants for losses and biosecurity improvements, with $59.6 million remaining in reserve.

The proposed 2025-26 budget includes an additional $11 million for the fund and $2 million to maintain operations at Pennsylvania’s new animal diagnostic laboratory in the western part of the state.

During the spring outbreak, a response team of hundreds of veterinarians and specialists from the PA Department of Agriculture, USDA, Penn State Extension, and PennAg Industries assisted farms with testing and biosecurity measures. With fall wild bird migration underway, infection risks are highest.

Pennsylvania is currently addressing confirmed or presumed HPAI infections at six Lancaster County sites, affecting nearly 60,000 birds. Nationwide, 32 commercial and 29 backyard flocks have been impacted, with 6.42 million birds affected.

Avian influenza is almost always fatal to birds but does not pose a risk to the general public. Poultry producers are urged to maintain strict biosecurity, monitor flock health, and report unexplained illnesses or deaths at 717-772-2852.

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