JACKSON — It has been over a year since the last reported outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Mississippi commercial flock. USDA confirmed a facility in Greene County had an outbreak on Dec. 20th.

To date, 26,000 birds have been affected in the commercial broiler breeder while the outbreak remains active. According to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, the samples were tested at the Mississippi State Veterinary and Research Diagnostic Lab in Pearl.

The samples were then confirmed at an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Laboratory in Ames, Iowa.

MDAC reports the affected premises have been quarantined. Birds on the property have been depopulated to prevent disease spread and have not entered the national food supply.

“Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with avian influenza in birds remains low,” MDAC stated. “As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.“

Mississippi Board of Animal Health reports they are working closely with the poultry industry to monitor flocks statewide. The outbreak is the first reported outbreak in a commercial or backyard flock since March 2023.

HPAI has been detected in Mississippi waterfowl over the past few years although the reporting of those positives is delayed.