BIOSECURITY GUIDE

for Poultry and Bird Owners

LOOK

for Signs.

REPORT

Sick Birds.

PRACTICE

 Backyard Biosecurity.

United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Program Aid No. 1885 • Revised April 2014
Biosecurity 

BIOSECURITY GUIDE

for Poultry and Bird Owners

USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on 

the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where 

applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, 

religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, 

reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived 

from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases 

apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require 

alternative means for communication of program information 

(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET 

Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of 

discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 

Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call 

(800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal 

opportunity provider and employer.

Mention of companies or commercial products does not imply 

recommendation or endorsement by USDA over others not 

mentioned. USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of 

any product mentioned. Product names are mentioned solely to 

report factually on available data and to provide specific information.

Photo credits: All photos come from the USDA and APHIS image 

collections, except for the photos on pages 17 and 18, which are 

used with permission from the copyright holder, Jupiter Images 

Corporation, and are reproduced with permission.

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April 2014

This guide was designed to provide useful information on biosecurity for poultry and bird owners. The United States works very hard 

to prevent infectious poultry diseases such as highly pathogenic 

avian influenza and exotic Newcastle disease from being introduced into the country. To accomplish this, the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture (USDA) requires that all imported birds (poultry, 

pet birds, birds exhibited at zoos, and ratites), except those from 

Canada, be quarantined and tested for the viruses that cause these 

two diseases before entering the country.

USDA works cooperatively with State animal health officials and 

the poultry industry to look for disease in breeding flocks, in 

backyard poultry, and at live bird markets, livestock auctions, 

poultry dealer locations, and small bird sales, fairs, and shows. 

In addition to international import restrictions, USDA and State 

veterinarians specifically trained to diagnose foreign animal 

diseases regularly conduct field investigations of suspicious disease 

conditions. University personnel, State animal health officials, 

USDA-accredited veterinarians, and members of industry all 

help in this surveillance work.

Since 2004, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

(APHIS) has been conducting an extensive outreach and education 

program called Biosecurity For Birds. The program reaches out to 

backyard poultry producers and pet bird owners to educate them 

about the signs of infectious poultry diseases, the need to practice 

biosecurity, and the importance of reporting sick or dead birds. In 

fact, APHIS has a toll-free number (1-866-536-7593) for bird owners to report such cases.

This Biosecurity Guide is part of our outreach program, and I 

encourage you to look at the other materials we have developed, 

including excellent videos on practicing biosecurity that are available 

on our YouTube site. Printed and PDF materials are free and can be 

found on our Web site at http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

John R. Clifford

Chief Veterinary Officer

USDA-APHIS, Washington, DC
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Biosecurity 

BIOSECURITY SECTION ONE

BIOSECURITY GUIDE

for Poultry and Bird Owners 5
Biosecurity 

6

Biosecurity: 

The Key To Keeping Your Birds Healthy

If you deal directly with poultry or pet birds, you have 

the responsibility to protect them against disease. By 

practicing biosecurity precautions, you can reduce the risk 

of disease-causing germs going to or coming from your 

farm or home. Understanding the importance of biosecurity 

can help you take the necessary precautions to avoid 

spreading disease among your poultry and livestock.

In this section, you will find information about

• Biosecurity,

• The importance of biosecurity, and

• Economic impacts of disease outbreaks.

What Is Biosecurity?

Biosecurity means doing everything you can to keep diseases 

out of your flock. “Bio” refers to life, and “security” indicates 

protection. Biosecurity is the key to keeping your poultry 

healthy. It is what you do to reduce the chances of an infectious disease being carried to your farm, your poultry yard, 

your aviary, or your pet birds by people, animals, equipment, 

or vehicles, either accidentally or on purpose.

Biosecurity is

• Using common sense practices to protect your poultry and 

birds from all types of infectious agents—viral, bacterial, 

fungal, or parasitic;

• Doing everything possible to protect your birds from 

infectious diseases like exotic Newcastle disease (END) 

and avian influenza (AI); and

• Preventing disease-causing germs or microbes from 

entering your premises.

As a bird owner, keeping your birds healthy is a top priority.
Biosecurity 

7

Why Biosecurity Is Important

“Biosecurity” may not be a common household word. But for 

poultry and bird owners, it can spell the difference between 

health and disease. Practicing biosecurity can help keep 

disease away from your farm and keep your birds healthy; 

healthy birds produce better and increase your profits. 

Biosecurity measures are important for you as a poultry 

owner, for your neighbors, and for the U.S. poultry industry.

Biosecurity measures decrease the risk for 

• Diseases such as END and AI on poultry farms;

• Loss of export markets; public concern; and cancellation 

of poultry shows, auctions, fairs, and exhibits as a result of 

disease outbreaks; and

• Quarantines resulting in financial losses due to 

disease outbreaks.

Why Be Concerned?

Economic Impact of a Major Disease Outbreak

Diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) 

and END can strike poultry quickly—without any warning 

signs of infection—and cause major economic losses. So it 

is important for you as an individual bird owner, and for the 

U.S. poultry industry, to be alert to this disease threat.

In 2012, the value of the U.S. poultry industry was 

$38.1 billion. Therefore, a major outbreak of HPAI or 

END would be costly to poultry owners, consumers, and 

taxpayers. (See Section Three, which starts on page 19 

of this guide, for information about HPAI and END.)

• To eradicate END during the 2002–03 outbreak in 

southern California and other Western States, more than 

3.2 million birds were euthanized at a cost of more 

than $170 million. That figure does not take into account 

the personal loss of pets, which cannot be measured in 

dollars and cents.

• An outbreak of HPAI occurred in 1983 through 1984 in the 

Northeastern United States and resulted in the destruction 

of more than 17 million birds at a cost of nearly $65 million 

in today’s dollars. This outbreak also caused retail egg 

prices to increase by more than 30 percent.
Biosecurity 8
PRACTICING

BIOSECURITY 

BIOSECURITY GUIDE

for Poultry and Bird Owners

SECTION TWO

9
Steps to Disease Prevention

Disease Prevention

As a bird owner, prevention is an important step you can take 

to keep disease from reaching your premises. Good bird 

management and strict biosecurity precautions will protect 

your birds against most infectious diseases and keep them 

healthy. Biosecurity is also important for your neighbors 

so that you don’t spread illness from your birds to theirs 

or bring home diseases from their birds after visiting. And 

finally, biosecurity is important so our country’s poultry 

industry is not at risk.

Biosecurity: Make It Your Daily Routine

Consistent biosecurity practices are the best way to prevent 

bird diseases like END and AI from spreading in the United 

States if we have an outbreak. These viruses can be carried 

to poultry in multiple ways—people, animals, equipment, 

or vehicles—either accidentally or on purpose, increasing 

the risk of healthy birds becoming sick birds. By practicing 

biosecurity as highlighted in the six steps shown below, you 

are keeping your birds safe from potentially deadly diseases. 

Making biosecurity a part of your daily routine while caring 

for your birds will decrease the chance of END or AI showing 

up on your doorstep.

How Biosecurity Can Prevent the Spread of Disease

Proper biosecurity can prevent the spread of infection from

• Humans (hands, hair, clothing, footwear);

• Vehicles (contaminated vehicles and equipment);

• Animals (domestic and wild, including rodents);

• Carcasses (those that are improperly disposed of) and 

manure, litter, debris, and feathers; and

• Flocks (other people’s backyard flocks, particularly if the 

birds are housed outside).

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10
Biosecurity Tips:

6 Ways To Prevent Poultry Disease

If you are a backyard or pet bird owner, you know your birds 

depend on you to keep them healthy. There are some basic 

practices you can follow to prevent poultry disease.

1. Keep Your Distance.

Restrict access to your property and your birds. Consider 

fencing off the area where your birds are to form a barrier 

between “clean” and “dirty” areas. The clean area is the 

immediate area completely surrounding your birds. The dirty 

(or “buffer”) area is the immediate adjacent area—consider 

this area to be infected with germs, even if your birds appear 

healthy and disease free.

Allow only people who take care of your birds to come into 

contact with them. Your caretakers should not attend bird 

shows or other events where birds are present. If visitors to 

your property want to see your birds, be sure they wash up 

first and clean their shoes. Better yet, keep clean boots or 

shoe covers for visitors to wear. If your visitors have birds 

of their own, do not let them enter your bird area or have 

access to your birds.

Game birds and migratory waterfowl should not have 

contact with your flock because they can carry germs and 

diseases. If your birds are outdoors, try to keep them in 

a screened area. 

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11
2. Keep It Clean.

Since germs can be picked up on shoes and clothing, moved 

from one area to another, and can potentially make your 

birds sick, you need to protect your birds’ home by keeping 

it clean.

To keep your birds “germ-free,” have a pair of shoes and 

a set of clothes to wear only around your birds. Many 

people store these clean clothes in a covered pail at the 

entrance to their bird area. Or, clean and disinfect your 

shoes and launder your clothes before you check on or 

work with your birds.

Scrubbing your shoes with a long-handled scrub brush and 

disinfectant will remove droppings, mud, or debris. Wash 

your clothes with laundry detergent. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before entering your bird area.

Keep cages clean and change food and water daily. Clean 

and disinfect equipment that comes in contact with your 

birds or their droppings. That includes tools such as feed 

scoops, shovels, rakes, and brooms. All manure must be 

removed before disinfectant can work, so clean surfaces with 

soap and water first. Properly dispose of dead birds by burial 

or incineration or take them to a landfill. Check on local 

ordinances for acceptable disposal methods.

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3. Don’t Haul Disease Home.

Car and truck tires, poultry cages, and equipment can all harbor “germs.” If you travel to a location where other birds are 

present, or even to the feed store, be sure to clean and disinfect these items before you return to your property.

Taking some of your birds to a fair or exhibition? Keep 

those birds separated from the rest of your flock and watch 

them for at least 2 weeks after the event to ensure that they 

didn’t pick up a disease. New birds should be kept separate 

from your flock for at least 30 days before putting them 

with the rest of your birds. To prevent disease, it is best not 

to mix young and old birds or birds from different species 

or different sources.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Cleaning and disinfecting is one of the most important parts 

of backyard biosecurity. But you need to make sure you do it 

correctly to inactivate disease. 

1. Thoroughly clean and scrub objects before applying 

disinfectants. Disinfectants cannot work on top of 

caked-on dirt and manure, so wash surfaces thoroughly 

before disinfecting them.

2. Apply disinfectants using brushes, sponges, or 

spray units. Allow adequate contact time (follow 

manufacturer’s instructions).

3. Dispose of used disinfectant according to local regulations.

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Below are some examples of disinfectants available on the market. 

Follow the directions on the label carefully for the best results.

• Roccal: Mix one-half fluid ounce (oz) of Roccal per 

gallon of water.

• Nolvasan (chlorhexidine diacetate 2 percent): 

Mix 3 fluid oz of Nolvasan per gallon of water.

• Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite 6 percent): 

Mix three-fourths of a cup of household bleach per gallon of water.

• Lysol spray for footwear.

• Purell hand pump for hand disinfection.

Making an Easy Footbath

A footbath is a handy tool to help you practice backyard 

biosecurity. You can easily make one yourself. You will need:

• A low plastic pan or bin, wide enough to fit an adult’s foot 

and shallow enough to step into easily.

• A plastic doormat (the “fake grass” mats work well).

• A disinfectant that works well for most situations, such as 

 Tek-trol or One Stroke Environ.

• Water.

Mix the disinfectant with water according to the label instructions. 

Put the doormat in the plastic pan. Add disinfectant so that the bottom of the mat is wet.

Ask visitors to walk through the footbath, wiping their feet on the 

mat. The mat scrubs their shoes a bit as they wipe them and applies 

the disinfectant.

When the liquid starts to get dirty, empty it and put in 

new disinfectant.

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14

Using “fake grass” in a 

footbath helps scrub shoes.

Mix disinfectant with water and cover the 

“grass” mat in the bottom of the pan.
4. Don’t Borrow Disease From Your Neighbor.

Do not share birds, lawn and garden 

equipment, tools, or poultry supplies 

with your neighbors or other bird 

owners. If you do bring these items 

home, clean and disinfect them 

before they reach your property. 

And remember to clean and disinfect 

borrowed items before returning them.

Never share items such as wooden pallets or cardboard egg 

cartons because they are porous and cannot be adequately 

cleaned and disinfected.

5. Know the Warning Signs of Infectious Bird Diseases.

Many bird diseases can be difficult to diagnose. The list below 

includes some of the things to look 

for that signal something might be 

wrong with your birds. Early detection of signs is very important to 

prevent the spread of disease.

• Sudden increase in bird deaths in your flock

• Sneezing, gasping for air, coughing, and nasal discharge

• Watery and green diarrhea

• Lack of energy and poor appetite

• Drop in egg production or soft- or thin-shelled, 

misshapen eggs

• Swelling around the eyes, neck, and head

• Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs (AI)

• Tremors, drooping wings, circling, twisting of the head and 

neck, or lack of movement (END)

6. Report Sick Birds.

Do not wait to report unusual signs of disease or unexpected 

deaths among your birds. Call your agricultural extension 

office/agent, local veterinarian, local animal health diagnostic 

laboratory, the State veterinarian, or USDA Veterinary 

Services office.

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15
USDA operates a toll-free hotline 

(1-866-536-7593) with veterinarians to help you. (For specific 

contact numbers, please see the 

contact information section on 

page 31 of this handbook.)

USDA wants to test sick birds 

to make sure they do not have a 

serious poultry disease. There is 

no charge for USDA veterinarians 

to work with you to conduct a disease investigation. Early 

reporting is important to protect the health of your birds.

An outbreak of a bird disease such as END and HPAI could 

not only harm or kill your birds, but also spread so quickly 

that it could kill other neighboring birds. 

A Note About Vaccines

Vaccination is another tool to protect your birds against END. 

Your local agricultural extension office, veterinarian, or feed 

stores that sell vaccines in your area can give vital information on the proper vaccines for your birds. Good health for 

your birds benefits everyone.

In the United States, vaccination against AI is not routine, nor 

is it our first choice for dealing with an outbreak. HPAI is not 

common in our country—it is considered an exotic disease 

here. If HPAI is detected in U.S. poultry, APHIS will work 

with the States to respond and quickly eliminate it. 

While AI vaccines reduce outward signs of the disease in 

birds, they do not prevent birds from becoming infected. 

If used, vaccines can help slow the spread of AI to protect 

healthy birds outside a quarantine area. But vaccines cannot 

eliminate the disease itself.

Vaccination is, therefore, one tool we can use as part of our 

overall eradication strategy, along with many other actions 

needed to stop an HPAI outbreak: quarantines and animal 

movement restrictions, emergency humane euthanasia and 

depopulation of animals, cleaning and disinfection at affected 

locations, surveillance to detect any disease spread, and 

proper biosecurity. 

If approved for use during an outbreak, vaccination would be 

directed by Federal officials.

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Biosecurity Tips for Pet Bird Owners

Biosecurity doesn’t apply only to backyard chickens. 

It’s important to practice biosecurity when you have pet 

birds, too.

Here are some basic tips you can follow to help protect your 

pet birds’ health:

• When buying a pet bird, request certification from the seller 

that the bird was legally imported or came from U.S. stock 

and was healthy before shipment.

• Separate new birds from your other birds for at least 30 days.

• Restrict access to your birds, especially from people who 

own birds that are housed outside.

• Keep your birds away from other birds.

• Clean and disinfect your clothing and shoes if you have been 

near other birds, such as at a bird club meeting, bird fair, or 

other venue with live poultry.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, water, and a 

disinfectant before handling your birds.

• Keep cages clean and change food and water daily.

• Remove feed from bags; place it in a clean, sealed container; 

and throw bags away.

• Do not borrow or share bird supplies. If you must do so, 

clean and disinfect the items before bringing them home.

• Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases.

Report Sick Birds at 1-866-536-7593.

If your birds are sick or dying, call your agricultural extension 

office/agent, local veterinarian, local animal health diagnostic 

laboratory, or the State veterinarian. Or, call USDA toll-free at 

1-866-536-7593, and we’ll put you in touch with a local contact.

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Biosecurity Tips for Handling Wild Birds

Wild birds can carry several diseases, including avian influenza. 

It’s best to observe wildlife from a distance. That way, you are less 

likely to disturb the animal or pick up any germs it may carry.

If you do come into contact with wild birds, here are some basic 

precautions to take:

• Do not handle dead or obviously sick birds.

• Avoid contact with bird droppings and nests.

• Wash hands with soap and water, hand sanitizer, or alcohol wipes 

immediately after handling bird feeders or bird baths.

• If you have contact with wild birds, wash your hands with soap 

and water before you eat, drink, smoke, or rub your eyes.

• To dispose of a dead bird, pick it up with an inverted bag or 

disposable gloves. Place it in another plastic bag, and dispose of 

it in a trash can that is secure against access by children, pets, 

or animals.

Hunters should also follow routine precautions when handling 

wild birds. These include:

• Do not handle or consume game animals that are obviously sick 

or found dead.

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while cleaning game.

• Wear rubber gloves when cleaning game.

• Wash hands with soap and water, or alcohol wipes, immediately 

after handling game.

• Wash tools and working surfaces with soap and water and then 

disinfect them.

• Keep uncooked game in a separate container, away from cooked 

or ready-to-eat foods. Cook game meat thoroughly; poultry 

should reach an internal temperature of 165 °F to kill disease 

organisms and parasites.

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AVIAN INFLUENZA AND 

EXOTIC NEWCASTLE 

DISEASE

BIOSECURITY GUIDE

for Poultry and Bird Owners

SECTION THREE

19
Avian Influenza and Exotic 

Newcastle Disease

Today, raising poultry of all kinds is growing in popularity. 

You need caring, perseverance, and a good deal of 

knowledge to breed and raise birds, including awareness 

of diseases that can potentially affect your flock.

In this section, you will find information about

• How a virus can spread,

• Avian influenza (AI),

• Exotic Newcastle disease (END), and

• The interconnectivity of the global marketplace and 

avian diseases.

What Is Disease?

In common terms, disease is an abnormal condition that 

is the result of infection, genetic defect, environmental stress, 

or sickness in general. Disease prevents normal functioning. 

Its effects in birds can range from reduced production 

and loss of energy to death. Disease can be infectious 

or noninfectious.

In poultry, there are four main classes of disease-causing 

agents: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Viruses 

cause disease, such as AI (“bird flu”) and END.

How a Virus Spreads in the Environment

1. Directly

• As a result of contact between a sick or infected bird 

and a healthy bird or between carrier birds (those that 

already carry the disease but show no signs of illness) 

and healthy birds;

• Contact with infected manure, litter, debris, or feathers; or

• Aerosol transmission through respiratory droplets.

2. Indirectly

• Virus-bearing material picked up on shoes, clothing, 

hands, and vehicles is then carried to healthy birds.

3. Other Pathways for Disease Spread

• Wild animals, rodents, and insects

AI and END

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Avian Influenza (AI)

AI—also known as bird flu, fowl pest, or fowl plague—is a 

respiratory disease of birds. AI viruses can infect chickens, 

turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl, as 

well as a wide variety of other birds. Migratory waterfowl 

seem to be a natural reservoir or host for AI viruses. Type A 

influenza viruses are classified according to the severity of illness they cause. AI viruses are divided into two groups: low 

pathogenic (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI).

Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI): Most AI strains 

are classified as LPAI and cause few clinical signs in infected 

birds. Birds with LPAI may appear healthy and without signs 

of sickness; however, LPAI can cause mild clinical signs, 

such as slight facial swelling and some respiratory signs. 

LPAI is monitored because two of its virus strains—the H5 

and H7 strains—can mutate into highly pathogenic forms.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): This is a 

very infectious and fatal form of the disease that, once 

established, can spread rapidly from bird to bird or flock to 

flock. HPAI typically causes severe illness with high death 

losses. See next page for clinical signs of HPAI.

How AI Spreads

AI spreads quickly by bird-to-bird contact. AI virus can 

travel on manure, egg flats, crates, other farming materials 

or equipment, and people who have picked up the virus on 

their clothing, shoes, or hands. Migratory waterfowl can also 

carry the disease.

AI and END

21

Diseases spread easily from infected waterfowl to domestic birds and poultry.
Birds with HPAI may show swelling of 

the head, eyelids, comb, and wattles.

Purple discoloration of the comb may indicate HPAI.

Nasal discharge may indicate HPAI.

Survival Period of the AI Virus

HPAI viruses can survive for long periods at low temperatures.

Know the Signs of HPAI

HPAI can strike quickly and spread rapidly without any 

warning. When infected birds do show signs, here’s 

what to look for: 

• Lack of energy and appetite

• Decreased egg production

• Thin-shelled, soft-shelled, or misshapen eggs

• Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks 

• Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs

• Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing

• Lack of coordination

• Diarrhea

• Sudden death without any clinical signs

AI and END

22
Birds raised in close confinement may spread diseases such as END.

Exotic Newcastle Disease (END)

END is a contagious and fatal viral disease that affects all 

bird species. It is one of the most infectious poultry diseases 

in the world. END is so deadly that many birds die without 

showing any signs of disease. In unvaccinated poultry 

flocks, a death rate of almost 100 percent can occur, and 

END can cause death even in vaccinated poultry. Poultry 

hobbyists and owners of pet birds should be especially 

careful—birds illegally smuggled into the United States are 

not quarantined and tested by USDA and, therefore, may 

carry the END virus.

If you buy a pet bird, be sure to request certification that the 

bird has been legally imported or is of U.S. stock. Also, be 

aware that smuggled pet birds, especially Amazon parrots 

from Latin America, pose a great risk of introducing END to 

poultry flocks in the United States. As carriers of the disease, 

Amazon parrots do not show any typical signs of infection 

but are capable of shedding the virus for more than a year.

Exotic Newcastle Disease

• Is a contagious and fatal viral disease,

• Affects all species of birds, and

• Is so deadly that many birds die without showing any 

signs of disease.

How END Spreads

END spreads when healthy birds come in direct contact with 

bodily fluids from sick birds. The disease affects almost all 

birds and poultry, even vaccinated poultry. The END virus 

can travel on manure, egg flats, crates, other farming materials or equipment, and people who have picked up the virus 

on their clothing, shoes, or hands.

AI and END

23
Twisting of the neck is one of the 

signs birds may show when END has 

affected their nervous system.

END can result in sudden death and a high overall mortality rate.

Birds with END exhibit swelling 

of the tissues around the eyes 

and neck.

Survival Period of the END Virus

The virus that causes END can survive in a warm and 

humid environment for several weeks. This environment 

could be birds’ feathers, manure, and other materials. In 

freezing temperatures, the virus can survive for extremely 

long periods. However, it is destroyed quickly by severe 

dryness or sunlight.

Know the Signs of END

• Sudden death and increased death loss in flock

• Sneezing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, coughing 

• Greenish, watery diarrhea

• Decreased activity, tremors, drooping wings, twisting of 

head and neck, circling, complete stiffness 

• Swelling around the eyes and neck

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Global Marketplace and 

Avian Diseases

Today’s global marketplace means greater access than ever 

before to agricultural commodities from around the world. 

While the United States exercises great vigilance to ensure 

that imports and exports meet international trade standards, 

with world trade, business travel, and global tourism, it has 

become easier to transport unwanted pests and diseases. 

For example:

• A visitor to a farm in Southeast Asia that has poultry 

infected with a disease can be on his or her or someone 

else’s farm in the United States within a day or two, 

and possibly carry the virus there on his or her body, 

clothes, or shoes.

• Disease can come in through mislabeled, illegally 

imported poultry products, as it did in one instance 

with frozen ducks.

• Foreign animal diseases can be brought into the United 

States through smuggled products.

Preventing HPAI and END From

Entering the Country

A disease outbreak can cause millions of dollars in losses 

to the U.S. agricultural industry, as well as to individual producers and manufacturers. Agricultural diseases can spread 

easily through the illegal export and import of animals, and 

an outbreak in one country can rapidly affect the birds of 

another country. In fact, it is possible for birds illegally 

transported or exported from countries with a disease 

outbreak to spread the disease across the world within a 

matter of days. That is why USDA has strict regulations 

for importing animals and animal products. Current information on importing animals and animal products can be 

found at www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/

importexport, the Web site for USDA’s National Import 

Export Services.

USDA maintains clear rules for trade involving animals, 

animal products, and plants imported into or exported from 

the United States. We recognize that HPAI and END pose 

significant threats to animal health, and in the case of HPAI, 

it has the potential to threaten human health. Accordingly, 

USDA has safeguards in place to protect against the introduction of HPAI and END into the United States.

AI and END

25
Import Restrictions

• The primary safeguard to keep HPAI and other viruses out of 

the country is the trade restrictions USDA maintains on the 

importation of poultry and poultry products from countries 

affected by specific diseases.

• USDA works closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security (DHS) to prevent international passengers from 

bringing in foreign pests and diseases. More than 300 USDA 

veterinarians are stationed throughout the United States to 

investigate suspected foreign animal diseases. USDA updates 

DHS on agricultural threats so its employees can be extra 

vigilant in checking for prohibited products.

• In response to the growing volume of smuggled and 

improperly imported agricultural products entering the 

country, USDA created the Smuggling, Interdiction, 

and Trade Compliance (SITC) unit, a program within APHIS 

that conducts anti-smuggling activities.

International Standards

• To make sure that international animal health standards represent the interests and concerns of the United States, USDA is 

active in the World Organization for Animal Health, the international standards-setting body in Paris (known by the acronym 

OIE, which stands for L’Office International des Epizooties, its 

former name). Such international standards shape the future of 

animal trade worldwide.

• USDA works closely with international organizations like OIE 

and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization 

(FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) to assist HPAIaffected countries with disease prevention, management, and 

eradication activities. By helping these organizations prepare 

for, manage, or eradicate HPAI (H5N1) outbreaks, USDA can 

reduce the risk of the disease spreading from overseas to the 

United States.

AI and END

26

A SITC officer demonstrates 

how exotic birds can be 

smuggled into the country 

in containers strapped to the 

smuggler’s legs.
Quarantine

All imported live birds must be quarantined for 30 days 

at a USDA quarantine facility and tested for AI and END 

viruses before entering the country, except birds coming in from Canada. Returning U.S.-origin pet birds 

must be tested for AI and home-quarantined unless 

they have been in Canada.

Surveillance

USDA works with Federal, State, and industry partners 

to monitor U.S. bird populations. Surveillance is 

conducted in four key areas: the live bird marketing 

system, commercial breeding and production flocks, 

backyard flocks, and migratory bird populations.

AI and END

27

Birds quarantined at USDA-APHIS’ New York Animal Import 

Center are housed in an area with ample room for movement.
AI and END

28
BIOSECURITY GUIDE

for Poultry and Bird Owners

PROTECTING THE

UNITED STATES

SECTION FOUR

29
Protecting the United States 

From Avian Diseases

Federal and State Responses to a Disease Outbreak

Federal and State agencies have response procedures for 

disease outbreaks. If there is an outbreak of HPAI or END, 

USDA will head the emergency response and work with the 

affected State departments of agriculture and the affected 

premises to quarantine, clean, disinfect, and cull the infected 

and exposed bird population in order to quickly contain and 

eradicate the disease. USDA can also turn to its roster of 

accredited veterinarians and animal health technicians for 

additional help if needed.

USDA provides funding and support to States when LPAI is 

detected. Close attention is paid to the H5 and H7 strains of 

LPAI because of their potential to mutate into HPAI.

Response Plans—USDA works closely with its Federal, 

State, and tribal partners, as well as industry stakeholders, 

to ensure that effective and coordinated emergency response 

plans are ready if an outbreak of HPAI or END occurs here.

Testing—USDA scientists have developed a rapid diagnostic 

test for AI and continue to improve the test’s sensitivity. The 

test diagnoses AI within 3 hours, while older tests used to 

take up to 2 weeks.

Protecting the United States

30
Contact Information for

Federal and State Offices

ALABAMA

Federal Office

(615) 781-5310

State Office

(334) 240-7255

ALASKA

Federal Office

(360) 753-9430

State Office

(907) 375-8215

AMERICAN SAMOA

Federal Office

(916) 854-3950

ARIZONA

Federal Office

(505) 761-3160

State Office

(602) 542-4293

ARKANSAS

Federal Office

(501) 224-9515

State Office

(501) 907-2400

CALIFORNIA

Federal Office

(916) 854-3950

State Office

(916) 900-5000

COLORADO

Federal Office

(303) 231-5385

State Office

(303) 239-4161

CONNECTICUT

Federal Office

(508) 363-2290

State Office

(860) 713-2505

DELAWARE

Federal Office

(804) 343-2560

State Office

(302) 698-4500

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Federal Office

(804) 343-2560

FLORIDA

Federal Office

(770) 761-5420

State Office

(850) 410-0900

GEORGIA

Federal Office

(770) 761-5420

State Office

(404) 656-3671

GUAM

Federal Office

(916) 854-3950

Territorial Office

(671) 753-3988

HAWAII

Federal Office

(916) 854-3950

State Office

(808) 483-7111

Protecting the United States

31
IDAHO

Federal Office

(208) 373-1620

State Office

(208) 322-8540

ILLINOIS

Federal Office

(317) 347-3100

State Office

(877) 747-3038

INDIANA

Federal Office

(317) 347-3100

State Office

(317) 544-2400

IOWA

Federal Office

(515) 284-4140

State Office

(515) 281-5305

KANSAS

Federal Office

(402) 434-2300

State Office

(785) 296-2326

KENTUCKY

Federal Office

(502) 848-2040

State Office

(502) 564-3956

LOUISIANA

Federal Office

(601) 965-4307

State Office

(225) 925-3962

MAINE

Federal Office

(508) 363-2290

State Office

(207) 287-7615

MARYLAND

Federal Office

(804) 343-2560 

State Office

(410) 841-5810

MASSACHUSETTS

Federal Office

(508) 363-2290

State Office

(617) 626-1795

MICHIGAN

Federal Office

(517) 377-4700

State Office

(800) 292-3939

MINNESOTA

Federal Office

(651) 290-3691

State Office

(601) 359-1160

MISSISSIPPI

Federal Office

(601) 965-4307

State Office

(601) 359-1170

MISSOURI

Federal Office

(573) 636-3116

State Office

(573) 751-3377

MONTANA

Federal Office

(406) 449-2220

State Office

(406) 444-2043

NEBRASKA

Federal Office

(402) 434-2300

State Office

(402) 471-2351

Protecting the United States

32
NEVADA

Federal Office

(801) 524-5010, 12

State Office

(775) 353-3700

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Federal Office

(508) 363-2290

State Office

(603) 271-2404

NEW JERSEY

Federal Office

(609) 259-5260

State Office

(609) 292-2121

NEW MEXICO

Federal Office

(505) 761-3160

State Office

(505) 841-6156

NEW YORK

Federal Office

(609) 259-5260

State Office

(518) 457-3502

NORTH CAROLINA

Federal Office

(919) 855-7700

State Office

(919) 733-7601

NORTH DAKOTA

Federal Office

(605) 224-6186

State Office

(701) 328-2657

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

Federal Office

(916) 854-3950

OHIO

Federal Office

(614) 856-4735

State Office

(614) 728-6220

OKLAHOMA

Federal Office

(501) 224-9515 

State Office

(405) 522-6141

OREGON

Federal Office

(360) 753-9430

State Office

(503) 986-4680

PENNSYLVANIA

Federal Office

(609) 259-5260

State Office

(717) 772-2852

PUERTO RICO

Federal Office

(787) 766-6050

Commonwealth Office

(787) 796-1650

RHODE ISLAND

Federal Office

(508) 363-2290

State Office

(401) 222-2781

SOUTH CAROLINA

Federal Office

(803) 462-2910

State Office

(803) 788-2260

SOUTH DAKOTA

Federal Office

(605) 224-6186

State Office

(605) 773-5425

Protecting the United States

33
Protecting the United States

34

TENNESSEE

Federal Office

(615) 781-5310

State Office

(615) 837-5120

TEXAS

Federal Office

(512) 383-2400

State Office

(512) 719-0704

UTAH

Federal Office

(801) 524-5010, 12

State Office

(801) 538-7162

VERMONT

Federal Office

(508) 363-2290

State Office

(802) 828-2426

VIRGINIA

Federal Office

(804) 343-2560

State Office

(804) 692-0601

VIRGIN ISLANDS

Federal Office

(787) 766-6050, 6055, 

6060, 6061 

Territorial Office

(340) 778-0991

WASHINGTON

Federal Office

(360) 753-9430

State Office

(360) 902-1878

WEST VIRGINIA

Federal Office

(919) 855-7700

State Office

(304) 558-2214

WISCONSIN

Federal Office

(651) 290-3691

State Office

(608) 224-4872

WYOMING

Federal Office

(307) 432-7960

State Office

(307) 857- 4140