Kansas Ag Connection
The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two game bird operations in Doniphan and Rooks counties.
This marks the first commercial operations with HPAI in Kansas since early spring 2024, although the virus has been detected in wild birds and some backyard poultry operations across the state this fall.
KDA is actively working with local officials to respond to the affected premises. These operations have been placed under quarantine, and the infected birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in a safe, approved manner to prevent further spread of the disease.
In response, KDA will establish a surveillance zone around the infected areas. Poultry owners in this zone must obtain KDA permission before moving birds or poultry products.
KDA’s animal health team is working diligently to contact all poultry owners in the area, ensuring they are aware of the symptoms of HPAI and taking appropriate biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.
Poultry owners in Doniphan or Rooks counties are encouraged to contact KDA at 833-765-2006 or
The risk of HPAI remains elevated due to the fall migration season. Wild waterfowl are known to be the primary carriers of the disease, making it essential for poultry owners to ensure their flocks are separated from migratory birds.
KDA urges all poultry owners — from small backyard operations to large commercial farms — to review and strengthen their biosecurity measures. Guidelines for biosecurity can be found on the KDA website.
HPAI is a contagious viral disease that affects chickens, turkeys, and other birds, causing severe illness or sudden death.
Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, respiratory distress, and decreased egg production. Infected birds may die suddenly, even without showing symptoms.
If any of these signs are observed, poultry owners should immediately contact a veterinarian or KDA’s Division of Animal Health at 833-765-2006.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that the recent HPAI detections pose no immediate public health or food safety concern, though proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs is always recommended.
For more information about HPAI and biosecurity, visit KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza.
