New detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) are emerging across several states as fall migration begins, including South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Utah. While not yet at 2024 levels, which saw over 50 million birds lost, the threat remains serious.

This year, however, many in the poultry industry say they're more prepared. Thanks to the USDA's enhanced HPAI response strategy-announced by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in February-producers have access to biosecurity audits, financial assistance, and improved on-farm protocols designed to contain outbreaks.

"Expanded biosecurity is allowing us to hopefully slow down and stop the disease," said Steve Boren of Boehringer Ingelheim. While infections are just as severe when they hit, better preparedness could limit their spread.

According to the USDA, recent HPAI detections have affected over 4 million birds, including 640,000 turkeys. That's far fewer than last year's catastrophic numbers, but it still poses serious concerns-especially for the Thanksgiving supply chain.

Meanwhile, turkey producers are also facing outbreaks of avian metapneumovirus (AMPV). Though not usually fatal, AMPV reduces egg-laying capacity and complicates flock recovery post-HPAI. AFBF economist Bernt Nelson called AMPV a potential "double whammy" that could further reduce egg supplies needed to rebuild.

Ron Phillips of the Animal Health Institute noted it's still early in the wild bird migration season, and the full impact of HPAI this fall remains uncertain. However, proactive surveillance and USDA-led audits may help producers identify vulnerabilities before outbreaks occur.

These on-farm biosecurity assessments, available through USDA, offer tailored feedback and funding to fix potential weaknesses. "They'll go through your premises and provide a full assessment," said Nelson. "There is money available for these sorts of things."

The USDA has also committed $100 million toward vaccines, therapeutics, and ongoing research. But deploying a vaccine remains complex. Nelson estimates it would cost over $1 billion to vaccinate the U.S. poultry population-750 million birds-twice, not to mention labor challenges.

Trade concerns further complicate the discussion. The broiler industry fears that widespread vaccination could jeopardize export markets, making policy decisions more delicate. "If those vaccinated birds threaten exports, that could backfire," said Nelson.

Still, vaccine development continues. Phillips said it's crucial for future disease readiness: "Preventative vaccines are important for animal health and the producer's bottom line."

Whether through biosecurity protocols or vaccine breakthroughs, industry experts agree that 2025 offers a more hopeful landscape for HPAI containment-provided vigilance remains high.