What's Happening?
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and state agriculture officials have intensified their response to a significant outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that has affected over 7.6 million birds in the state since January. A roundtable
discussion was held with poultry producers, legislators, and industry leaders to outline the expanded measures. The state has deployed 105 personnel, including members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and USDA employees, to mitigate the outbreak. Pennsylvania is unique in having a dedicated HPAI Recovery Fund, with $75 million committed since 2022. So far, $15.6 million has been distributed to 302 poultry businesses to offset losses and enhance biosecurity, with $59.4 million remaining. The Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System has conducted over 672,342 HPAI tests since July 2024, including 80,000 tests in 2026 alone.
Why It's Important?
The outbreak poses a significant threat to Pennsylvania's poultry industry, which is a major component of the state's $132.5 billion agriculture sector, supporting nearly 48,800 farms and 600,000 jobs. The rapid response and substantial financial commitment underscore the importance of protecting this vital industry. The bipartisan support for the response efforts highlights the non-partisan nature of the threat, as it impacts the food supply and economic stability of the state. The measures taken by the Shapiro administration aim to prevent further spread of the disease, ensuring the safety of the food supply and the economic well-being of those dependent on the poultry industry.
What's Next?
Governor Shapiro has secured $6 million in the 2024-25 budget for a new diagnostic lab and proposed $11 million for agricultural preparedness in the 2026-27 budget. The state plans to continue expanding testing and monitoring capabilities, with nearly 900 certified poultry technicians now in place. Ongoing collaboration with federal agencies and industry partners will be crucial in managing the outbreak. The administration's efforts will focus on maintaining open communication and coordination to protect poultry operations and minimize the impact on the state's economy.
