Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been spreading across the United States, resulting in high losses within the poultry industry. The disease, which can be caused by A (H5) and A (H7) viruses, is often transmitted from wild birds to domestic poultry.
In Utah, a confirmed detection occurred in Box Elder County on March 20, 2026, where 14 birds in a backyard setting were quarantined.
HPAI is considered highly fatal in poultry and can be spread by waterfowl that are usually asymptomatic. Because waterfowl serve as a major source of infection during migration, officials recommend that poultry producers keep flocks away from waterfowl and ensure they do not share water, feed, or grazing sources with wild birds.
Symptoms in poultry include nasal discharge, decreased appetite or water consumption, lack of coordination in birds, and high death loss among flocks. For dairy cattle, symptoms may include fever, dehydration, decreased feed consumption, decreased milk production, and thicker, colostrum-like milk. While most dairy cattle recover within a few weeks, owners are encouraged to maintain strong biosecurity plans.
While the risk to the general public is low, mild illnesses have been reported among exposed livestock workers in other states. Individuals with prolonged, regular exposure to poultry or dairy cattle who exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, headaches, runny nose, body aches, diarrhea, or vomiting should contact their local health department.
As a general food safety measure, officials recommend the pasteurization of dairy products and cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Anyone observing HPAI symptoms in birds should contact the state veterinarian's office immediately at statevet@utah.gov.
