Avian Flu Resurgence Leads to Over 1.1 Million Bird Cull in Early 2026 US Outbreak

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Returns to US Poultry Farms

The United States is experiencing a significant resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in early 2026, leading to the culling of over 1.1 million birds across multiple states this month. This figure surpasses the total number of birds lost in December 2025, indicating an alarming intensity of the outbreak. The H5N1 virus, responsible for the infections, continues to pose a substantial threat to both commercial poultry operations and backyard flocks.

Widespread Impact Across Multiple States

The current wave of HPAI has spread rapidly, affecting numerous states and a diverse range of bird populations. In Minnesota, four farms have been impacted, with nearly 400,000 birds affected. North Carolina's turkey farms are experiencing significant losses, including 14,000 turkeys in Sampson County. The first detections of 2026 in Iowa included cases in Cass County, affecting 7,000 pheasants and 120 chickens, and a separate case in Kossuth County.

Other states reporting new outbreaks include:

• Illinois: Backyard flocks confirmed in Edgar County.
• West Virginia: Cases detected in Greenbrier County.
• Pennsylvania: Infections found in Bucks County.
• Washington: Outbreaks reported in Yakima County.
• California: 34,600 game birds affected in Butte County.
• Kansas: Outbreaks in Anderson County (15,700 game birds) and Nemaha County (4,600 game birds).
• Missouri: 6,000 poultry affected in Texas County.
• Michigan: The first detection in a domestic flock for 2026 was in a backyard flock in Ottawa County.

Wild Bird Migration and Biosecurity Challenges

The resurgence of the H5N1 virus is closely linked to seasonal wild bird migration patterns, with wild birds often carrying the virus without showing symptoms, thus acting as stealthy carriers across regions. This natural spread mechanism makes containment particularly challenging. Officials are emphasizing the critical need for enhanced biosecurity measures to protect poultry. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig underscored the importance of strengthening protective protocols for both commercial producers and backyard flock owners. Similarly, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) strongly recommends vigilance and active protection of domestic flocks from exposure to wild birds.

Economic Strain and Public Health Assessment

The persistent circulation of HPAI strains USDA's response capabilities and significantly increases indemnity payments to farmers. From 2022 to 2025, total expenditures related to avian flu outbreaks reached nearly $1.8 billion. While the economic impact on the poultry industry is substantial, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low. The CDC is actively monitoring the situation and working with states to track individuals with animal exposures. Debates continue regarding the expansion of vaccination programs, though federal concerns about potential trade restrictions have limited their widespread implementation thus far.