Avian Flu: An Ongoing Threat and Use Case for IPM

Young chickens in a cage.

Avian influenza is a concern for poultry farmers. Photo: K-State Research and Extension, flic.kr/p/2n5wjKR, CC BY 2.0

Avian influenza—also known as avian flu or simply bird flu—is a type of influenza virus that occurs naturally among wild birds, but it can spread to various domesticated bird species, potentially causing severe illness or death.

Among other concerns, this makes bird flu an economic threat to those whose livelihoods depend on avian livestock, and the impact is widespread. Data for 2022–2023 from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) showed confirmed detections in over 1,000 flocks—representing 47 states and more than 72 million birds—as of early December 2023.

Humans and Other Mammals

Although not the virus’s primary hosts, mammals—including domestic cats and dogs—have been known to contract it, generally through eating infected birds.

And although rare, infection in humans is not unheard of, with two fatal cases having been reported as recently as October 2023 in Cambodia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Widespread use of biosecurity measures—an integrated pest management (IPM) method, in this case against a pathogen—is especially critical.

Response and Management

CDC is the lead U.S. federal agency for the virus’s currently limited human-health implications. Otherwise, the Department of the Interior and USDA-APHIS are the primary agencies responsible for investigation and control.

Academic institutions and extension organizations are also taking steps to help the public learn how to mitigate the spread of the disease. Widespread use of biosecurity measures—an integrated pest management (IPM) method, in this case against a pathogen—is especially critical.

In August 2023, Pennsylvania State University announced that its Department of Animal Science was sponsoring biosecurity kits for county 4-H programs throughout the state. The kit includes items for use at public 4-H animal events.

For More Information

The Northeastern IPM Center promotes integrated pest management for reducing risks to human health and the environment. If republishing our news, please acknowledge the source (“From Northeast IPM Insights”) along with a link to our website.