Pennsylvania is deploying additional resources to support the Commonwealth’s Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) response and protect Pennsylvania poultry producers. In response to a recent spike in infections among poultry in the Commonwealth, the state is mobilizing additional personnel, expanding testing capacity, and coordinating closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and industry partners.
Starting today, 42 USDA employees will be on the ground in Pennsylvania, supporting 55 Commonwealth veterinarians and employees, four Penn State Extension experts, and three members of the Pennsylvania National Guard Civilian Support team who are working to mitigate the spread of HPAI in Pennsylvania. The Shapiro Administration is also deploying up to six additional Commonwealth employees to support the HPAI response and working to procure additional resources to support high-volume testing and aggressive biosecurity efforts.
Since the current outbreak began in February 2022, Pennsylvania has lost more than 14.3 million birds — with approximately half of these lost since the beginning of 2026. Pennsylvania’s response team is working in 21 locations across the Commonwealth, where the virus has affected 7.2 million birds
“This virus continues to test our industry, and we have been responding aggressively from day one. When cases rise, we intensify. Our teams are on the ground immediately, our labs have increased testing capacity and have expedited results to support the response, and we are coordinating daily with USDA and industry leaders,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “At the same time, we need every producer to double down on biosecurity — vigilance on the farm is the strongest defense. We are fully mobilized. We will continue deploying every available resource to protect Pennsylvania farms and we need every producer to stay alert and proactive as we confront this evolving threat together.”
When an HPAI case is detected, state animal health teams deploy immediately, alongside partners at the USDA and local emergency management officials. Together, they work to quarantine affected sites, conduct testing, oversee virus elimination, and guide cleaning and disinfection protocols to prevent further spread.
The Commonwealth has also significantly expanded testing and surveillance capacity to meet ongoing demand for avian flu. From July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, Pennsylvania’s Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS) processed 672,342 HPAI tests, including more than 200,000 poultry samples and 29,000 cattle samples, helping ensure swift diagnoses, protect commerce, and minimize economic disruption.
