On Feb. 8, 2025, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial flocks of chicken in 16 states during the previous 30 days.

A total of 103 commercial flocks and 47 backyard flocks were reported affecting a total of 23.6 million infected with HPAI.

Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is a contagious viral disease of domestic and wild birds. It’s a major threat to the poultry industry, animal health, trade, and the economy worldwide. Caused by influenza type A viruses, the disease varies in severity depending on the strain and species affected.

HPAI strains are deadly to domestic poultry and can wipe out entire flocks within a matter of days. Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) strains typically cause few or no signs of illness. They occur naturally in wild birds around the world. However, some LPAI strains can become highly pathogenic in poultry.