The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a commercial turkey farm in Sanpete County. HPAI is a viral disease that spreads quickly among domestic poultry and wild birds, often resulting in high mortality rates.
“Commercial turkey facilities in the northern U.S. and here in Utah have been the most impacted by HPAI this fall. With migratory bird season just beginning, we may see a greater impact as the season progresses. It is imperative that poultry producers practice strong biosecurity,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Amanda Price.
In response to the outbreak, UDAF is working with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS). All commercial facilities near the affected site have been placed under quarantine, and birds at the impacted location will be depopulated to prevent further spread of the virus. Additional surveillance and testing are underway in surrounding areas as part of established avian influenza response protocols.
“The loss of this flock is a significant hardship for the producer and their community and our team is working closely with them to minimize the risk of spread to other facilities. That said, this incident involves a single round of birds from one facility and is not expected to cause a notable impact on the availability of turkeys in Utah or across the country leading up to Thanksgiving. Consumers should feel confident that turkey and poultry products remain safe and readily available,” said Commissioner Kelly Pehrson.
Poultry owners are urged to monitor their flocks for symptoms such as increased deaths, nasal discharge, reduced appetite or water intake, and lack of coordination. Anyone observing these signs should contact the State Veterinarian’s Office immediately.
Wild migratory waterfowl are often responsible for spreading HPAI, which can enter domestic flocks through direct contact with wild birds or via contaminated equipment or people moving between flocks. The UDAF advises all poultry producers—from backyard flock owners to large operations—to review their biosecurity practices to protect their birds.
According to health officials, HPAI does not currently pose an immediate threat to public health. However, they recommend proper handling and cooking of all poultry products to an internal temperature of 165˚F as a standard food safety measure.
For more information on biosecurity measures for poultry producers, resources are available at https://ag.utah.gov/poultry-hpai/ as well as on APHIS’s website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock. Details about avian influenza risks for humans can be found at https://epi.utah.gov/bird-flu-in-humans/.
