Jake Harper
Bird flu has had a devastating impact on the poultry industry, with millions of chickens dying or being culled to control the spread of the virus. In the United States alone, the bird flu outbreak that began in 2022 has resulted in the death or culling of over 92 million birds, including more than 20 million egg-laying chickens in the first quarter of 2025. This has had significant economic consequences, with egg prices soaring to record levels. While human cases of bird flu are rare, the spread of the virus to cattle has raised concerns, and farmers are taking various precautions to protect their flocks from infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of chickens that died in the US last quarter | More than 20 million |
| Number of chickens killed on an Ohio egg farm | 1.35 million |
| Number of chickens killed in Iowa | 17.3 million |
| Number of chickens killed in Ohio | 5.1 million |
| Number of chickens killed in the US in 2025 | 166 million |
| Number of chickens killed in the US in 2022 | 58 million |
| Number of chickens killed in Iowa in 2024 | 4.2 million |
| Number of chickens killed in Ohio in 2022 | 3.2 million |
| Number of chickens killed in Minnesota in 2022 | 1.4 million |
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What You'll Learn
Bird flu outbreak in Iowa
Bird flu, or avian influenza, has been a significant issue in Iowa, with several outbreaks occurring in recent years. The highly pathogenic H5N1 virus has particularly impacted poultry farms and wild birds in the state.
In May 2024, an outbreak of bird flu hit an Iowa egg farm, resulting in the culling of 4.2 million chickens. This incident was part of a more extensive bird flu outbreak that began in 2022 and spread across all 50 states. By 2025, the number of commercial birds that had died or been killed due to the virus exceeded 166 million, including over 20 million egg-laying chickens in the last quarter of 2024 alone.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) classify avian influenza as a reportable animal disease. As a result, any suspected or confirmed cases in Iowa must be promptly reported to the state veterinarian. The state has urged all poultry producers to review and enhance their biosecurity plans and practices to prevent and control the spread of the disease.
While avian influenza usually does not infect people, there have been rare cases of human infection in Iowa. In December 2024, Iowa reported its first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The individual had mild symptoms, recovered, and no other cases were detected in the state at that time. However, in January 2025, Iowa reported another bird flu case, this time resulting in the death of a patient from Louisiana who had been part of a backyard flock. This marked the first severe infection and death from the H5N1 virus in the United States.
The risk to public health from avian influenza is generally considered low, and poultry, egg, and dairy products remain safe for consumption if handled and cooked properly. However, health officials emphasize the importance of practicing proper biosecurity and personal protective equipment (PPE) when around infected birds to prevent potential human infections.
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Bird flu in Ohio
Avian influenza, or bird flu, has been detected in the U.S. state of Ohio. The virus, caused by infection with avian influenza Type A viruses, such as H5N1 and H7N9, was first detected in Ohio in December 2024. It has since been confirmed in several counties across the state.
Native Ohio birds are vulnerable to the virus, particularly shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl. Domestic chickens and turkeys are also at risk of infection. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is monitoring reports of dead wild birds and has sent samples for testing to confirm the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Bird flu infections in humans are rare but possible, with most reported cases occurring after unprotected contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces. The virus can be passed from infected animals to people, but there have been no cases of human-to-human transmission in the United States. The public is advised to observe wildlife from a distance and practice good personal hygiene, including thoroughly washing hands with soap and water, to protect against possible exposure.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture provides resources and information on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and biosecurity measures. The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine also offers facts and contact information for relevant agencies and organisations.
The USDA has announced funding for projects to combat avian flu in poultry and reduce egg prices, which have soared due to the outbreak.
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Bird flu outbreak in Minnesota
Avian Influenza, or bird flu, is an infectious disease caused by a group of influenza viruses that primarily infect poultry and wild birds. In 2022, a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, H5N1, was introduced into North America. This strain caused widespread mortality in wild birds and also affected several mammal species.
Minnesota confirmed its first cases of H5N1 on March 25, 2022. The virus was detected in domestic poultry, wild birds, and wild foxes in the state. While the number of cases decreased in 2023, the virus continued to circulate among wild bird populations, and wild bird deaths increased again in 2024.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is committed to monitoring HPAI in wild birds and has established a response system to control the movement of infected birds and implement testing and surveillance protocols. The DNR receives and addresses reports of sick and dead wildlife consistent with possible HPAI infections. Flock owners who notice clinical signs of HPAI in their birds are instructed to report to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health through a designated hotline or online form.
The outbreak has had significant impacts on the poultry industry in Minnesota. In May 2024, the bird flu was confirmed at an egg farm west of Minneapolis, resulting in the culling of nearly 1.4 million chickens. This contributed to the overall toll of 92.34 million birds killed since the outbreak began in 2022. The virus has also been detected in dairy cattle in Minnesota, with one case involving a dairy farm worker diagnosed with bird flu.
To manage the outbreak, federal and state partners are conducting additional surveillance and testing in affected areas. The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline offers support to farmers and flock owners facing stress, financial problems, and other challenges due to the outbreak. The Minnesota Department of Health provides information to the public on any risks associated with the virus and coordinates with various agencies to protect the health of poultry workers and others in direct contact with infected birds.
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Bird flu in the US: human cases
Bird flu, or avian influenza, has been a concern for humans and animals alike. In January 2025, the first human death from the H5N1 bird flu virus was reported in the United States, specifically in Louisiana. This individual had been hospitalized with a severe case of the virus and had contact with both backyard poultry and wild birds. The case in Louisiana marked the first instance of severe illness linked to the H5N1 virus in the United States.
Since 2022, there have been 67 confirmed human cases of the H5N1 bird flu virus in the United States as of January 2025. Most of these cases have been mild, and no person-to-person transmission has been identified. However, the risk of infection is higher for those with job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds or other animals. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure and contact with sick or dead animals, especially wild birds and poultry.
The H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected in wild birds, poultry, and even dairy cows in the United States. The virus has spread to all 50 states, and the number of commercial birds that have died or been culled exceeds 166 million as of February 2025. More than 20 million egg-laying chickens died in the last quarter of 2024 alone, causing a significant impact on the egg supply and resulting in soaring egg prices.
While the risk to the general public from bird flu remains low, according to the CDC, the virus has the potential to cause severe illness and death. Public health experts advise that individuals who work with or come into contact with wild birds, poultry, or cattle take necessary precautions to protect themselves from infection. The CDC has developed prevention resources and is working closely with state and local partners to actively monitor and assess the impact of H5 bird flu cases.
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Bird flu: prevention and control
The highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus has led to the culling of over 166 million birds in the US alone, including more than 20 million egg-laying chickens. The virus has spread to all 50 states and has also been detected in cattle, with the risk of infection to humans remaining low.
The prevention and control of bird flu, or avian influenza, are critical to minimising its impact on poultry and human health. Here are some key strategies:
For poultry farmers and workers:
- Monitor poultry flocks for any unusual, flu-like symptoms and immediately report sick or dead birds to federal, state, or local agricultural authorities.
- Implement biosecurity measures, such as providing workers with clean protective clothing, equipment, and disinfection facilities. Ensure regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment and vehicles entering and leaving the farm.
- Quarantine infected farms to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Ensure adequate ventilation in poultry houses to bring in clean outdoor air and control airborne contaminants.
- Participate in health surveillance and monitoring programs.
For individuals:
- Avoid direct contact or close exposure to sick or dead poultry, wild birds, dairy cows, or other animals that could be infected. Observe these animals from a distance.
- If direct contact is necessary, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory and eye protection.
- Wash hands frequently and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.
- Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to the appropriate internal temperature (165˚F) to kill bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza A viruses.
- Choose pasteurized milk and dairy products to prevent the consumption of raw milk, which can be contaminated with avian influenza A viruses.
For healthcare workers and facilities:
- Install and maintain appropriate air-handling systems to prevent the spread of the virus within healthcare facilities.
- Take specific precautions when treating patients with known or suspected avian influenza to protect other patients and healthcare workers.
- Offer vaccination with the seasonal influenza vaccine to reduce the likelihood of co-infection with human and avian influenza viruses.
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Frequently asked questions
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that more than 20 million chickens have died due to bird flu.
The total number of birds that have died or been killed exceeds 166 million.
Iowa has been the hardest hit, with nearly 17.3 million birds killed. Ohio, Minnesota, Maryland, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Georgia, and California have also seen significant bird flu cases.
Health officials have stated that the risk to the public is low. Proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F (73.89˚C) will kill any bacteria and viruses, including bird flu.
