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Avian Influenza is caused by a group of viruses that occur naturally in wild birds.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Resources

A few key things to know about Avian Influenza:

The highly pathogenic strain, H5N1, has been circulating since February 2022
Spreads from infected feces, surfaces, or through the air when birds are in close contact
Can be transported by infected feed, clothing, equipment, wild birds, and rodents
Waterfowl, both wild and domestic, act as primary carriers
Once on the farm, it spreads rapidly
Can infect all domestic poultry, including backyard flocks
Symptoms include sudden death, lack of appetite, swelling of head/comb/eyelid, wattles, hocks, purple discoloration of wattles/comb/legs, diarrhea
A biosecurity plan will help minimize the risk of your flock getting infected

Below we have collected a number of resources connected to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). If you have specific questions, please reach out through the contact information below.

Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Frequently Asked Questions about Bird Flu in New York State

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s response to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza response in New York state is a coordinated effort of the NY Extension Disaster Education Network (NY EDEN). Check out CALS' FAQ for answers to questions like:

Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine: HPAI (Bird Flu) Resource Center

Find a fact sheet and information related to human health, wildlife, dairy, poultry, cats and dogs, and current research.

Institute for Food Safety: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Information and take-home messages for the food industry includes a fact sheet, viruses in dairy cows, and several recorded webinars discussing HPAI.

Cornell Farmworker Program Resources

NY State Department of Health: Avian Influenza Resources

Includes guidance in multiple languages for farm workers and dairy operators, guidance for clinicians, a recorded presentation titled Avian Influenza on Dairy Farms: Keeping Workers Safe, and more.