Avian influenza (AI), particularly highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), continues to challenge the U.S. poultry and egg industry, representing one of the most significant threats to animal health, production stability, and economic sustainability. Since 2022, repeated HPAI outbreaks have devastated commercial and backyard flocks across the country, resulting in the loss of millions of birds, widespread production disruptions, rising egg prices, and substantial economic losses.
The persistence of these viruses in wild bird populations, combined with the increasing frequency of spillover events into domestic flocks, underscores the urgent need for more proactive, data-driven disease management strategies.
Despite the severity of the threat, current surveillance and response systems remain largely reactive. Poultry producers, veterinarians, and regulatory agencies often respond only after an outbreak occurs, leaving limited time to prevent disease spread and minimize economic impact. Read more