Bird Flu Persists in US Poultry, Impacting Prices and Flocks

Bird flu continues to challenge US poultry farmers as 2026 begins, with ongoing recoveries from massive flock losses and warnings of persistent risks. In Ohio, farmers are still rebuilding after highly pathogenic avian influenza wiped out over 15 million birds starting Christmas Eve 2024, according to Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge. Ohio Poultry Association executive vice president Jim Chakeres notes flocks aren't fully restocked due to two-year scheduling delays, amid nationwide losses nearing 175 million birds since 2022 that have driven up egg and poultry prices.

No new commercial cases reported in Ohio recently, but wild birds carry the virus, including 72 vultures that died last month in Clermont County from preliminary lab tests. Iowa recorded ten avian flu cases in 2025, killing over 758,000 birds, per KGAN reports. As of early November, USDA data showed 67 flocks affected nationwide in 30 days, leading to 3.72 million bird deaths.

Human risk stays low, with at least 70 US infections mostly among farmworkers and one death, says UNMC Health Security. Indian researchers from Ashoka University warn in BMC Public Health of potential H5N1 human spread, urging better surveillance after 990 global cases since 2003 with 48 percent fatality.

Vaccination remains off-limits for US flocks due to USDA trade concerns, despite a 100 million dollar study underway. Biosecurity is at peak levels, limiting farm access.

Grant County Health in Washington distinguishes bird flu from seasonal flu surging there, with no person-to-person bird flu transmission.

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