What you should know about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as “bird flu”
What is hpai “Bird flu”?
Bird flu is caused by influenza type A viruses that naturally travel with wild birds, such as ducks and geese. Wild birds can carry the virus while migrating and pass it along without always showing signs of illness. The virus spreads from bird to bird through:
Fecal droppings
Saliva
Nasal discharge
When infected wild birds interact with domestic poultry or visit local ponds and fields, spillover can occur. Spillover occurs when infected wild birds spread the virus to farm or backyard poultry, or when infected poultry spread it back to wild birds.
While rare, mammals can be infected with HPAI when they eat infected birds, poultry, or other animals and/or if they are exposed to environments contaminated with the virus. Spread of the virus from mammal to mammal is rare, but possible. Producers should immediately report any livestock with clinical signs, or any unusual sick or dead wildlife, to their state veterinarian. This does not pose a risk to consumer health or affect safety of the commercial milk supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is confident that pasteurization is effective at inactivating HPAI virus, and that the commercial, pasteurized milk supply is safe.
What are the signs of HPAI in birds?
Tremors or shaking
Head tilting
Extreme tiredness or lethargy
Loss of coordination
Inability to fly or walk properly
Trouble standing upright
Are humans at risk OF CONTRACTING hpai?
The health risk to the general public from bird flu remains low. Human infections are rare and usually happen after close, unprotected contact with infected birds or contaminated areas.
Human symptoms may include:
Eye redness (conjunctivitis)
Coughing, sore throat, or trouble breathing
Fever
The general public can reduce their risk of exposure by using the following practices:
Avoid touching dead or sick birds
Report dead geese, other waterfowl, raptors, and other large birds to wildlife officials.
Do not report songbirds. HPAI has not been detected in songbirds in Missouri, and they are not considered a significant risk for spreading the virus.
Keep pets away from dead or dying wildlife.
If you must handle a dead bird, wear gloves, consider wearing a face mask, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry. Cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F kills the virus if it is present.
Seasonal Influenza vaccines do not protect against bird flu.
Hunters can reduce their risk of exposure by using the following practices:
Dress harvested game birds in the field or in an area away from poultry and other birds.
Dispose of carcasses and waste properly. Seal them in trash bags and place them in household trash or at a permitted landfill. Proper disposal helps protect raptors, including bald eagles, which are often scavengers and are highly susceptible to avian influenza.
Allow all hunting gear, boats, and waders to dry completely between trips to help prevent spreading the virus between locations.
hOW MANY CASES OF hpai ARE IN MISSOURI?
Active surveillance by state wildlife and agricultural agencies gives us a clear picture of HPAI activity across Missouri.
Confirmed HPAI bird reports can be found here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds?page=1
Confirmed HPAI cases in livestock can be found here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock
Wild Bird Cases: Official health records from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirm 19 total cases of bird flu in wild birds across Missouri as of October 28, 2026. Recent cases reported in eastern Missouri counties include:
St. Louis County: 3 cases
St. Charles County: 3 cases
Lincoln County: 1 case
Cows: According to animal health reports from U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), no cases of HPAI have been confirmed in livestock herds in Missouri at this time.
Commercial and Backyard Poultry Flocks: According to animal health reports from U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), no cases of HPAI have been confirmed in commercial poultry farms or domestic backyard flocks in Missouri at this time.
Regional Flyway Activity: Other states along major bird migration routes, including Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado, have also reported HPAI in wild birds.
hOW DO i MAKE A REPORT?
Wild birds:
Dead bird sightings and other wildlife health events can be reported online https://mdc12.mdc.mo.gov/applications/WildlifeHealthReporting or over the phone to MDC St. Louis Regional Office at (636) 441-4554.
Testing for HPAI in dead wild birds must be coordinated through the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Domestic poultry or cattle:
If you notice unusual illness or sudden deaths in domestic chickens, ducks, or turkeys, contact your local veterinarian and call the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Animal Health Division at (573) 751-3377.
