Pennsylvania Enhances Biosecurity Amid Avian Influenza Threat

State agriculture officials in Pennsylvania have intensified efforts to combat the ongoing threat of avian influenza, a disease that poses a significant risk to the state’s poultry industry, valued at $7.1 billion. During a recent tour of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, Deputy Secretary for Animal Health and Food Safety, Lisa Graybeal, underscored the importance of early testing and rigorous biosecurity measures as essential strategies to defend against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

This announcement follows the confirmation of new infections at six poultry farms in Lancaster County, impacting approximately 58,000 birds. The outbreak, which began in February 2022, has already resulted in the loss of more than 7.1 million birds across 100 flocks in 23 counties, marking one of the most significant animal health crises in the state’s history.

State Response and Laboratory Testing

Graybeal praised the state’s coordinated approach and investment in laboratory testing for mitigating losses and ensuring the safety of Pennsylvania’s poultry products. She stated, “Testing to monitor and detect avian influenza has been an indispensable tool to minimize damage during what has been the biggest animal health crisis in American history.”

The state operates three diagnostic facilities — located in Harrisburg, University Park, and Kennett Square — which processed over 672,000 animal health samples in the past year. A fourth laboratory is currently under renovation at Penn State’s Beaver Campus. Once operational, this facility will enhance capacity and reduce response times, supported by a $6 million investment in the 2024–25 budget and an additional $2 million proposed for next year’s operations.

State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg emphasized the critical nature of on-farm biosecurity measures. “When every farm has a biosecurity plan and everyone who enters follows it, disease risks are lower and recovery is quicker,” he noted.

Financial Support for Affected Producers

In recognition of the impact on local producers, the administration of Governor Josh Shapiro has allocated nearly $15.7 million in HPAI Recovery Grants to 292 applicants. Approximately $59.6 million remains in reserve for future needs. The proposed budget for 2025–26 includes an additional $11 million to sustain funding for recovery and preventative initiatives.

Industry leaders have acknowledged the importance of this ongoing support. Chris Herr, Executive Vice President of PennAg Industries, remarked, “Pennsylvania has set a gold standard for animal disease response. Our labs, grants, and coordinated response ensure that poultry farmers can recover and stay in business.”

As the state prepares for the months ahead, experts warn of the potential for renewed infections, particularly as migratory birds — known vectors for HPAI — migrate through the region. Such outbreaks could disrupt poultry exports, tighten egg supplies, and consequently increase food prices. Nevertheless, the state’s expanded testing network and recovery funding are expected to help mitigate economic fallout and support long-term stability in the industry.

Maintaining consumer confidence and farmer resilience is a top priority for Pennsylvania, with poultry among the state’s leading agricultural sectors. The comprehensive surveillance and funding model established by the state could serve as a valuable template for other regions facing similar biosecurity challenges.

For further updates on developments in Pennsylvania and the impact of avian influenza, local news outlets such as MyChesCo provide ongoing coverage.