*Click Here to see Counties with Wild Bird HPAI Detections in the Last Seven Months

*Click Here to see the most up-to-date HPAI Detections of Migratory Season 2023-24

*Click Here to see the most up-to-date Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza cases in Commercial/Backyard Flocks and Wild Bird (Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time)

*Click Here to see the most up-to-date Infographic of Poultry/Poultry Products From HPAI Control Areas Requiring Permits to Enter California

*Click Here to see California Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Public Complaint Form 

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Backyard Flock in
Placer County, California

Sacramento, CA February 2, 2024 – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in Placer County. In addition to this recent confirmation, there are active cases of HPAI in the following three (3) counties: Marin, Merced, and Sonoma. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.

To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.

It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.

Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.

Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social  media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.

For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.govFor media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Commercial Flock in
Merced County, California

Sacramento, CA January 22, 2024 – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock in Merced County, California. The commercial flock is in addition to the recent cases previously detected in Merced County. The following three (3) counties have active control areas for HPAI: Marin, Merced, and Sonoma.  This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.

To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.

It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.

Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.

Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social  media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch – CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.

For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Backyard and Commercial Flocks in
Merced County, Sacramento County, and Sonoma County, California

Sacramento, CA January 9, 2024 – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Merced County, Sacramento County, and Sonoma County, California. These commercial and backyard flock findings are in addition to the cases announced in Merced County on 12/26/23 and Sonoma County on 12/28/23. The following four (4) counties have active infections of HPAI: Marin, Merced, Sacramento, and Sonoma.  This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated on weekdays at noon Eastern Standard Time.

To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.

It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.

Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.

Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social  media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch – CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.

For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Flocks

in Marin County and Sonoma County, California

Sacramento, CA December 29, 2023 – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Marin County and Sonoma County, California. The commercial flock in Sonoma County is in addition to the most recent case announced in Sonoma County on 12/20/23. The following five (5) counties have active infections of HPAI: Fresno, Marin, Merced, San Joaquin, and Sonoma. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.

To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.

It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.

Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact information is available here: Wildlife Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov).

Stay Informed For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch – CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA. For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.govFor media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Commercial Flock in
Merced County, California

Sacramento, CA December 27, 2023 – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock in Merced County, California. This is in addition to the recent case announced in Merced County on 12/21/23 and the following six (6) counties: Fresno, Lassen, San Benito, San Joaquin, Sonoma, and Stanislaus. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.

To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.

It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.

Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.

Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social  media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.

For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.govFor media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Flocks in

Merced County County, California

Sacramento, CA December 21, 2023 – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial flocks in Merced County. This is in addition to the recent cases in Merced County and the following six (6) counties: Fresno, Lassen, San Benito, San Joaquin, Sonoma, and Stanislaus. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.

To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.

It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.

Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.

Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social  media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.

For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.govFor media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Commercial Flock in Sonoma County and a
Backyard Flock in Lassen County, California

Sacramento, CA December 20, 2023 – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock in Sonoma County and a backyard flock in Lassen County, California. The commercial flock is in addition to the recent cases previously detected in Sonoma County.  This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.

To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.

It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.

Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.

Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social  media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.

For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in a Commercial Flock and Backyard Flock
in Sonoma County, California

Sacramento, CA December 19, 2023 – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock and a backyard flock in Sonoma County, California. This is in addition to the recent cases previously detected in this county. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.

To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.

It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.

Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.

Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social  media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA  and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.

For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Flocks in
Merced County and San Joaquin County, California

Sacramento, CA December 13, 2023 – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial flocks in Merced County and San Joaquin County. This is in addition to the recent cases during this year’s fall bird migration in the following five counties: Fresno, Merced, San Benito, Sonoma, and Stanislaus. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.

To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.

It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.

Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.

Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social  media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA  and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.

For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Flocks
in Stanislaus County, California

Sacramento, CA December 6, 2023 – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial flocks in Stanislaus County. This is in addition to the recent cases during this year’s fall bird migration in the following four counties: Fresno, Merced, San Benito, and Sonoma. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.

To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health, however, avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.

It is important to note that HPAI is widespread in California and may also be present in other counties that are not listed (due to having no laboratory submissions from those counties). Enhanced biosecurity is critical in the face of ongoing disease outbreaks. Please continue to practice good avian biosecurity protocols according to your plans.

Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

Report any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the CDFW directly.

Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social  media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA  and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.

For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Commercial Flocks

in San Benito and Sonoma Counties, California

Sacramento, CA December 1, 2023 – Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial flocks in both San Benito and Sonoma counties. This nationwide outbreak of HPAI began in 2022 and all detections can be found on the USDA website under: 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Note that the website is updated at noon Eastern Standard Time.

To protect other flocks in California, the locations of the detected infected flocks are currently under quarantine, and the birds are euthanized to prevent further disease spread.

The spread of the virus is promoted by wild birds, especially wild waterfowl such as  ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. As wild waterfowl migrate in the fall season, we anticipate increased movement of birds that are potential carriers of this virus, so we strongly urge poultry owners to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices, including limiting access to poultry areas in order to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to virus. Other biosecurity recommendations can be found on USDA’s Defend the Flock Program website here.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is considered a low risk to human health. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus on fomites (surfaces) such as hands, shoes, clothing, or feet and fur of rodents and other animals.

Clinical signs of HPAI in birds include sudden death, trouble breathing, clear runny discharge (from nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, decreased food and water intake, swelling (eyes, head, wattles, or combs), discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs, stumbling/falling or twisted neck. For more information and updates, please visit our CDFA Avian Health Program webpage. Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).

Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online at: www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/ Monitoring/Mortality-Report.

Stay Informed: For the latest updates on California domestic poultry, follow us on social  media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch-CDFA  and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.

For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov. For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.