Pennsylvania Battles Avian Flu Surge Threatening $7.1 Billion Poultry Industry
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – A significant surge in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, is prompting a robust response from state officials and industry leaders. The outbreak poses a substantial threat to Pennsylvania’s $7.1 billion poultry industry, and a roundtable discussion was held today, February 24, 2026, to address the escalating crisis.
Roundtable Discussion and State Response
Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding convened a roundtable at the Lancaster County Rapid Response Center with poultry producers and industry leaders. The discussion, livestreamed for public access, focused on strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect the state’s poultry flocks. WGAL News provided live coverage of the event.
Governor Shapiro has expanded the state’s response capacity by mobilizing additional personnel, increasing testing capabilities, and coordinating closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and industry partners. This coordinated effort aims to limit the virus’s spread and safeguard the poultry industry.
Extent of the Outbreak
Since the initial outbreak in February 2022, more than 14.3 million birds in Pennsylvania have died due to HPAI. The situation has worsened in early 2026, with an additional 7.2 million birds affected by the virus. NBC Philadelphia reports that the state is actively working to contain the virus.
Personnel and Resources Deployed
To bolster containment efforts, Governor Shapiro deployed 42 USDA employees and six Commonwealth workers to support veterinarians, Penn State Extension experts, and National Guard members. This increased support is intended to provide on-the-ground assistance to affected farms and producers.
Attendees at the Roundtable
The roundtable included a diverse group of stakeholders, including:
- Governor Josh Shapiro
- Secretary Russell Redding, PA Department of Agriculture
- Dr. Alex Hamberg, State Veterinarian
- Chris Herr, Vice President, PennAg Industries
- Executive Sen. Judith Schwank, Senate Democratic Ag Chair, PA’s 11th Senatorial District
- Sen. Scott Martin, PA’s 13th Senatorial District
- Sen. James Malone, PA’s 36th Senatorial District
- Rep. Mindy Fee, PA’s 37th House District
- Rep. Brett Miller, PA’s 41st House District
- Rep. Keith Greiner, PA’s 43rd House District
- Rep. Dan Moul, House Republican Ag Chair, PA’s 91st House District
- Rep. Nikki Rivera, PA’s 96th House District
- Rep. Steven Mentzer, PA’s 97th House District
Ongoing Concerns and Future Outlook
Governor Shapiro acknowledged the concerns of farmers given the recent increase in cases, stating, “I know farmers are worried given the recent increase in cases, but I want them to know that my Administration is standing with them and continuing our aggressive response to protect Pennsylvania flocks.” The Pennsylvania Game Commission has also requested the public’s assistance in reporting avian flu cases, particularly as bird migration patterns contribute to the disease’s spread. Yahoo News reported on this request.