Lehigh County, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced the first confirmed case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domestic poultry for 2025. The virus was detected in a commercial poultry farm in Lehigh County, which houses a 50,000-bird layer chicken flock.
This confirmation has sparked immediate response measures, including quarantining the infected farm and implementing movement restrictions on poultry products within a 6-mile radius of the affected location. However, state officials assured the public that there is no health risk to humans due to this positive case.
No Health Risks to Humans, Safe Poultry Products
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, while HPAI is highly infectious and often fatal to domestic birds, it does not pose a direct threat to human health. Officials reiterated that properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to consume.
Notably, there have been no cases of infected dairy cattle or humans in Pennsylvania. While some states have recorded rare human infections among workers exposed to infected birds, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk to the general public very low.
Wild Birds Also Affected
The virus isn’t limited to domestic poultry. A sick snow goose in Philadelphia was confirmed as the first HPAI case in wild birds for 2025, with additional cases reported in the Lehigh Valley.
This isn’t Pennsylvania’s first encounter with HPAI. The state has been on high alert since the outbreak began in 2022. The last case in commercial poultry was detected in February 2024, while the most recent backyard flock case occurred in Venango County in October 2024.
Guidelines for Poultry Farmers and the Public
To prevent further spread, the Department of Agriculture urges poultry farmers and those with backyard flocks to remain vigilant. If you suspect your birds may be infected, report it immediately to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services at 717-772-2852 (option 1).
Farmers can also refer to the PADLS Control Zone Address Checker Map on the department’s website to check whether their flock is in a restricted area. This map provides updated details on control and surveillance zones based on the latest findings.
For additional resources, including sampling and testing guidance, visit the PADLS website: padls.agriculture.pa.gov/InnerPages/HPAI.html.
Reporting Sick or Dead Birds
If you come across a sick or dead wild bird, report it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453).
Additionally, anyone who has had contact with sick or dead birds and feels unwell should contact their primary care doctor or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.
Ongoing Precautions and Next Steps
State officials continue to monitor the situation closely to minimize the impact of HPAI on Pennsylvania’s poultry industry. Measures like strict biosecurity practices and early detection play a crucial role in containing the virus.
With this case serving as a stark reminder of HPAI’s presence, officials encourage everyone involved in poultry farming or wildlife observation to stay informed and proactive.
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