I just received an email newsletter from #MDACF regarding #HPAI. It's not looking good...

From the memo [in PDF format]:

"Avian Influenza (HPAI) Notices:

Due to the continuing US outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domesticated and wild birds and in dairy cattle, Animal Health Officials from all six #NewEnglandStates are united in advising the following for agricultural fairs, competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps, or other in-person events that encourage the gathering or co-mingling of birds and/or cattle:

Avian species

The New England State Veterinarians strongly discourage the exhibition of domestic and wild waterfowl species and may recommend delaying or canceling domestic fowl or poultry shows. If events are held, best practices for biosecurity should be implemented. Waterfowl exhibitions are currently banned in MA through April 30, 2026, which may be extended.

Bovine species

The New England State Veterinarians strongly discourage the exhibition of any bovines, including both dairy and beef cattle, that have been present in any state at the time that state had a current outbreak of HPAI in cattle.

Bovines that have been shipped from currently affected states in 2026 should not be allowed on the premises of New England fairs or shows. Moving to or from an affected state for any reason will void any New England Fair and Show Season Official Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (OCVIs) that have been issued for such cattle for the remainder of the 2026 season.

The states currently affected by HPAI in cattle can be found on the USDA website..."

Emailed bulletin:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/bulletins/412b40f

USDA Website:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed- cases-livestock

Link to MDACF memo [PDF]:
https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MEDACF/2026/04/13/file_attachments/3615362/2026%20NE%20Fairs%20Memo%20March%202026.pdf

#HPAINews #BirdFlu #MaineDACF #NewEngland #HealthAndSafety #AvianInfluenza #H5N1 #LPAI #BirdFlu
#FarmAnimals #AgriculturalFairs #Poultry #Cattle #HealthInformation

There was also a recent incident of a domestic cat in #NewJersey with #HPAI. (I reported a dead seagull in #PortlandME last week).

Bird flu may be why over 1,000 geese died in NJ. How Pa., Del. are fighting back

Officials in New Jersey are reporting that over one thousand geese have died over the last few days raising new concerns over possible bird flu cases.

By Emily Rose Grassi • Published February 18, 2026 • Updated on February 19, 2026 at 7:00 pm

"Geese are reportedly dying in large numbers throughout the state of New Jersey causing a new concern over bird flu."

Read more:
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/bird-flu-sick-geese-new-jersey/6464556/

#HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza

#MDACF - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Protect Your Flock: Be Vigilant with Biosecurity

"Flocks, backyard flocks and avian influenza current risk is at a high level.(#HPAI Update – February 13, 2026) Maine Animal Health officials have confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI – H5) in a non-commercial backyard flock in York County. While Maine’s commercial poultry remains unaffected, all bird owners are urged to review precautions and stay alert."

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ahw/animal_health/hpai/index.shtml

Precautions for flock owners:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock

#HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza #Maine #H5 #BackyardFlocks

This presentation highlights the collaborative efforts between Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State University, and our federal partners to perform comprehensive avian influenza surveillance in Oregon. This covers the emergence of avian influenza in Oregon, the identification of avian influenza in two pigs in the fall of 2024, active and passive
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdMPgk-DeNs

#H5N1 #Influenza #BirdFlu #HPAI #AvianInfluenza #Zoonosis