Pastured poultry / chickens
Image by Josh Dolan

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.

Contact

Graham Savio
Agriculture & Horticulture Issue Leader
gs695@cornell.edu
(607) 272-2292 ext 159

Last updated February 19, 2025