While it may seem as though wild bird migration has just ended, spring migration will be starting soon. As wild bird movement increases, the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) across the U.S. will rise.

North Dakota State University Extension experts are urging poultry and dairy owners to review and strengthen their biosecurity plans to reduce the risk of disease transmission on farms and rural properties.

HPAI is a strain of influenza A primarily carried by wild birds. The virus can spread to domestic poultry flocks and, in some cases, dairy cattle. It is shed in feces and respiratory secretions and can survive for extended periods in cool, damp conditions — making spring and fall migration especially high-risk times for animal owners.

“Creating and consistently following a strong biosecurity plan is the best defense poultry and dairy owners have against HPAI,” says Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian. “Now is the time to evaluate potential risk points on your operation and make improvements before exposure occurs.”

Recent detections of HPAI in poultry and dairy operations across the country highlight the importance of preparedness and early identification.

Dr. Galbreath recommends the following biosecurity practices:

• Limit contact between domestic animals and wild birds by housing animals when possible, and eliminate spilled feed that would attract wildlife.
• Change clothing, wash hands and disinfect footwear before and after handling animals.
• Restrict access to livestock areas, and minimize nonessential visitors.
• Clean and disinfect tools, equipment and vehicles that travel between farms.
• Isolate new animals for a period specified by a veterinarian.

“Biosecurity is not a single action — it’s a system of daily management practices that create a clear line of separation between healthy animals and potential disease threats,” explains Mary Keena, NDSU Extension livestock environmental management specialist. “Consistency is what protects individual operations and the broader agricultural community.”

In poultry, signs of HPAI may include sudden unexplained death, decreased feed and water intake, reduced egg production, and abnormal behavior. In dairy cattle, symptoms may include reduced milk production, fever, lethargy, decreased appetite and changes in milk appearance.

Livestock species are not the only farm animals at risk, warns Dr. Galbreath. Cats infected with HPAI can develop serious and fatal illness. Cat owners should avoid feeding raw meat or milk from potentially infected animals to cats. Anyone concerned about potential HPAI infection in their cats should contact a local veterinarian.

“Poultry and dairy products from animals that test positive for HPAI are prohibited from entering the marketplace under federal law,” says Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist and disaster education coordinator.

Meehan says that properly handled and cooked poultry products remain safe to eat, and pasteurization effectively eliminates the virus in milk.

Producers who observe unusual illness or unexplained deaths in poultry or dairy animals are encouraged to contact their veterinarian or the North Dakota State Veterinarian's Office at 701-328-2655.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – March 3, 2026

Source: Jake Galbreath, 701-231-5738, j.galbreath@ndsu.edsu

Source: Mary Keena, 701-652-2951, mary.keena@ndsu.edu

Source: Miranda Meehan, 701-219-9251, miranda.meehan@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu