Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

2025-2026 Update

MDC is actively monitoring reports of sick and deceased waterfowl, such as geese and ducks, and raptors, such as eagles and hawks, across the state. We are collecting affected birds and have confirmed that the cause is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Other states are experiencing similar events. For example, wild bird detections of HPAI have been confirmed in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado. 

Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is transmitted to birds along North American flyways when they intermingle with infected individuals from Europe and Asia. The virus spreads from bird to bird through fecal droppings, saliva, and nasal discharges. There is a risk of spillover from wild birds into domestic poultry, and from poultry back to wild birds, which can further increase the spread.

Symptoms to look for in sick birds include tremors, head tilting, lethargy, loss of coordination, inability to fly or walk properly, or trouble standing upright.

While the risk from HPAI to the general public remains low, sporadic human infections have occurred, usually after close exposure, and MDC encourages hunters and others to take the following precautions.

For hunters:

• Dress harvested game birds in the field or in an area away from poultry and other birds.
• Dispose of carcasses and waste properly. Seal carcasses and other waste 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.

For the public:

• Avoid touching dead or sick birds. If you have to handle a dead bird, wear gloves (disposable if available), consider a face mask, and wash your hands thoroughly when finished.
• Report sightings of dead geese, other waterfowl, raptors, or other large birds using our Wildlife Health Event Reporting form.
• Do not report songbirds. HPAI has not been detected in any songbirds in Missouri. These species are not considered a significant concern regarding the virus.
• Keep pets away from dead or dying wildlife.

HPAI infections in humans are rare. Contact a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms of possible infection, such as eye redness, respiratory problems, and fever. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry. Cooking meat to an internal temperature of 165°F helps destroy the virus if present. 

Get more information on HPAI from the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Contact your veterinarian and the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health division at 573-751-3377 if you see sickness in domestic birds (chickens, turkeys, or ducks).

Current HPAI Outbreak

Below is the current map showing detections of HPAI birds since October 2025. The accompanying table provides details for each confirmed case, including county, species, and date of confirmation.