Avian Influenza

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has continued to be detected in new locations nationwide, including new counties in Kansas. As we have noted throughout the past year, this viral disease appears to be spread by the migration of wild birds which has Kansas’ domestic birds at risk once again. Poultry producers should remain vigilant, reviewing their biosecurity activities to protect the health of their birds. 

We encourage poultry owners to monitor their flocks. If you have birds showing symptoms of HPAI (see list of symptoms below), contact your veterinarian or call KDA toll-free at 833-765-2006. Or email us at KDA.HPAI@ks.gov and we will call you back. 

Updated information about highly pathogenic avian influenza in the U.S. in 2022-2023 can be found here: USDA HPAI web page

HPAI Map 9.20.23

KDA News Release 10-20-2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Shawnee County
KDA News Release 10-7-2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Returns to Kansas
KDA News Release 4-11-2022: Avian Influenza Confirmed in Commercial Flock in McPherson County
KDA News Release 3-18-2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Continues to Spread in Kansas
KDA News Release 3-12-2022: USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Backyard Flock in Kansas 
KDA News Release 3-9-2022: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Wild Birds in Kansas
KDA News Release 3-4-2022: KDA Advises Poultry Owners to Watch for Avian Influenza

Positive Cases of HPAI in Kansas

Anderson   

Case Number

County

Date Confirmed Positive

Type of Operation

Status of Operation

Control Area 

1

Franklin

3/10/2022

  Non-Commercial Backyard  
   (Poultry)

Released from quarantine

Released from quarantine

2

Sedgwick

3/17/2022

  Non-Commercial Backyard  
   (Non-Poultry)

Released from quarantine

Released from quarantine

3

Dickinson

3/18/2022

  Non-Commercial Backyard  
   (Poultry)

Released from quarantine

Released from quarantine

4

Mitchell

3/25/2022

  Non-Commercial Backyard  
   (Non-Poultry)

Released from quarantine

Released from quarantine

5

McPherson
4/11/2022
  Commercial
   (Poultry)

Released from quarantine
Released from quarantine

6

Republic 4/27/2022   Non-Commercial Backyard
   (Poultry)
Released from quarantine Released from quarantine

7

Johnson 10/7/2022   Non-Commercial Backyard
Released from quarantine
Released from quarantine

8

Neosho 10/7/2022
  Non-Commercial Backyard
   (Poultry)

Released from quarantine Released from quarantine
9 Shawnee 10/20/2022    Non-Commercial Backyard
   (Poultry)
Released from quarantine Released from quarantine

10

Elk
12/28/2022  Non-Commercial Backyard
   (Non-Poultry)
Released from quarantine  n/a
11 Anderson 1/3/2023 Commercial (Gamebird) Released from quarantine Released from quarantine
12  Mitchell 1/17/2023 Commercial (Gamebird) Released from quarantine Released from quarantine
13  Mitchell  2/8/2023  Commercial (Gamebird) Released from quarantine  Released from quarantine
14  Doniphan   2/13/2023
Non-Commercial Backyard (Non-Poultry) 

Released from quarantine N/A
 15  Ellsworth  3/27/2023
Non-Commercial Backyard (Non-Poultry)
Released from quarantine N/A
 16 Mitchell  4/7/2023  Non-Commercial Backyard (Non-Poultry)  Released from quarantine  N/A
     

Current Statewide Situation

16 = Total affected premises
13 = Total affected counties

Visit the USDA website for further case information. 

Definitions (these official designations are defined by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and used by  KDA in cooperation with the USDA and OIE):

  • Non-poultry: Birds that are kept in a single household, the products of which are used within the same household exclusively, are not considered poultry, if they have no direct or indirect contact with poultry or poultry facilities.
  • Poultry: All birds reared or kept in captivity to produce any commercial animal products or for breeding for this purpose, fighting cocks used for any purpose, and all birds used for restocking supplies of game or for breeding for this purpose, until they are released from captivity.

What is Avian Influenza?

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a rapidly spreading viral disease that can infect many types of birds.

Avian influenza is contagious. It exists naturally in many wild birds and can be transmitted by contact with infected birds or ingestion of infected food or water. Although extremely rare, humans and other mammals can be vulnerable to the disease.  

Symptoms to watch for: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.

If you suspect your flock contracted the disease, quarantine the affected birds and area immediately. Notify your veterinarian of any suspected cases or call the KDA Division of Animal Health at 833-765-2006 or email us at KDA.HPAI@ks.gov. No effective treatment for the disease has been found.  Infected animals must be humanely destroyed and disposed of properly to prevent the disease from spreading. 

Preventing HPAI

  • Prevent contact with wild birds, especially wild waterfowl. Remove any potential nesting areas for wild birds.
  • Cover and enclose outdoor feeding areas, and cover stored feed.
  • Take all possible steps to separate wild birds from having any access to your flock or their living area.
  • Clean and disinfect any vehicle tires or equipment that has been on other farms or other locations where there is poultry or wild birds.
  • Wear clean clothing, boots and shoes when in contact with your flock.
  • Restrict unauthorized people and vehicles.
  • Isolate new birds.
  • Stay informed about the health of birds in your area.

KDA Resources

USDA Resources