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A significant avian influenza outbreak has hit Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with state officials reporting that approximately 2.3 million birds have been affected across multiple flocks.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture confirmed that the virus has been detected in two commercial operations and seven backyard flocks throughout the county. The majority of the affected birds were connected to a "commercial table egg layer" operation, where more than 1.5 million hens were depopulated last week after confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Gregory Martin, a Penn State Extension poultry educator based in Lancaster County, believes the source of the recent outbreak was likely wild birds. "This is the time of year we get geese movement," he said. "We're starting to see the spread."
The USDA reported the initial case on January 28 and is currently testing poultry farms in the surrounding area. According to Martin, the affected operation included birds of various ages across multiple barns. The cold winter weather has complicated prevention efforts, as the virus survives longer in cold conditions and disinfectants may freeze or require longer contact time to be effective.
This marks Pennsylvania's first case in a commercial flock during 2026, though the state had previously reported two instances of HPAI in backyard flocks and two live bird markets earlier this year.
The economic impact on affected farms is substantial. Beyond the loss of millions of dollars' worth of birds, farms lose their egg production income. Martin described it as "a one-two punch" for farmers. USDA indemnity payments can help offset some losses by paying for birds and eggs that must be destroyed, though birds that died from the disease before detection are not eligible for compensation.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture offers a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Recovery Reimbursement Grant for up to $25,000 to help farmers upgrade biosecurity measures.
According to the USDA, avian flu rates typically increase during spring and fall migration seasons. Since the start of the nationwide outbreak in February 2022, the USDA reports that 174.83 million birds have been affected across all 50 states.
Officials urge anyone suspecting avian flu in commercial or backyard flocks to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's 24-hour hotline at 717-772-2852. Sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.