Penn State Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) once again is threatening Pennsylvania’s poultry industry, but researchers, diagnosticians and extension educators in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences are at the forefront of efforts to slow the virus, support producers and provide science-based guidance.
The United States Department of Agriculture reported that 27 flocks in Pennsylvania have tested positive in 2026, impacting more than 7.6 million birds.
Most are in Lancaster County — the center of the state’s $7.1 billion poultry industry — with one additional case reported in Dauphin County, according to John Boney, Vernon E. Norris Faculty Fellow in Poultry Nutrition and member of Penn State Extension’s poultry team.
He said HPAI cases are increasing during the spring migration of wild birds, with the virus spreading through direct contact as well as contaminated equipment and clothing.