Penn State Extension urges stricter biosecurity as HPAI continues to affect poultry and dairy

Hope Kazooie, a member of the Lebanon County Extension poultry team, gave a 10-to-15-minute update on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and its local implications for poultry and dairy producers.

Kazooie said the outbreak that began in February 2022 has affected millions of birds nationally and remains active in several Pennsylvania counties. “Biosecurity is key,” she said, describing common transmission routes — direct bird-to-bird contact, contaminated equipment or clothing, manure and wild-bird droppings — and listing practical steps producers can take to limit spread, including limiting on-farm traffic and using dedicated footwear and clothing for each barn.

The Penn State Extension presenter outlined state response steps if a farm is suspected of infection: report to the Pennsylvania…