HPAI detected in Texas commercial flock
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock (poultry) in Shelby County, Texas. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in a commercial facility in Texas this year.
Following considerable mortality in the flock, samples were submitted to a Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and confirmed December 11, 2025.
The TAHC is working closely with federal animal health officials on a joint incident response. State officials
quarantined the affected premises, and as part of existing avian influenza response, are working to conduct surveillance in areas around the affected flock.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H5N1 viruses circulating in birds is believed to pose a low risk to the general public in the United States. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.
“All bird owners should consider how they can keep their flocks healthy through enhanced biosecurity practices,” said Dr. Bud Dinges, TAHC executive director and state veterinarian. “Ensuring barriers between wild birds are established is critical. Watch birds closely for signs of illness and report sickness or unexpected deaths immediately.”
The TAHC recommends the following animal health considerations for all Texas poultry producers:
- Closely observe and report sudden increases in the number of sick birds or bird deaths to the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242 or APHIS 1-866-536-7593.
- Practice good biosecurity with poultry and all other animals interacting with the flock.
- Prevent contact between domestic birds and wild birds. Consider bringing birds indoors to further prevent exposures.
- Avoid visits to other premises with susceptible animals and wash hands before and after handling birds.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- TAHC HPAI page: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/emergency/avianinfluenza.html
- United States Detections of HPAI: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-diseaseinformation/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai
- USDA Defend the Flock biosecurity on a budget webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXfCXv6OSVY
- USDA Defend the Flock biosecurity: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-diseaseinformation/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources
PHOTO: Indoors chicken farm, chicken feeding. (Adobe Stock │ #234941718 – davit85)
