Avian Influenza (AI)

Avian Influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds. AI viruses can be classified as Highly pathogenic (HPAI) or Low pathogenic (LPAI) based on the severity of illness caused. HPAI spreads very quickly and is often fatal in chickens and turkeys. One of the most important things you can do to protect your birds is to follow good biosecurity. If you see signs of illness in your birds, report it immediately. Together, these actions will help keep HPAI from infecting U.S. poultry flocks.