2024-12-19: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to spread

Important message as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to spread across our nation and state

There are no United States-approved HPAI tests,  for use with poultry, available to backyard poultry keepers.  Please do NOT buy such tests, nor think using a test made for cattle, is appropriate for your flock.

As always, if you have unexplained illness in your flock, contact:

your veterinarian or the nearest California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory (https://cahfs.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/) or 

call the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473). 

Many poultry respiratory diseases have similar or identical symptoms.   A poultry diagnostician and laboratory are needed to obtain a correct diagnosis.