POULTRY HEALTH: HPAI & ORGANICS

What is HPAI?

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, is a deadly virus spreading rapidly among poultry flocks—both conventional and organic.

Avian influenza is a respiratory disease found in wild and domestic birds and other species. When particularly virulent forms emerge that are highly contagious and lethal to domestic poultry, they are classified as HPAI.

Since 2022, every U.S. state has reported cases of HPAI. In some outbreaks, millions of birds were lost from a single farm.

Over 2.3 million organic egg-laying hens have been affected since Nov 2023—over 10% of the U.S. organic layer population.

Look out for sudden deaths, swelling, discolored combs, coughing, diarrhea, or a drop in egg production. Early detection saves flocks.

Infected flocks must be euthanized. USDA uses various methods based on housing type.

USDA offers indemnity payments to organic producers based on flock value. You can also be reimbursed for handling depopulation.

Organic Rules Still Stand

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) clarified that certification is not jeopardized when government agencies mandate non-organic euthanasia methods during emergency response

Read the complete HPAI article in OFA’s magazine

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