Pennsylvania’s response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) combines farm biosecurity, expanded testing and outbreak response, and recovery grants for eligible poultry businesses. The state reported these measures and outbreak figures in February 2026; grant balances, case counts and application terms can change, so farmers should confirm current details with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture before making plans.
What support is Pennsylvania providing poultry farmers?
In February 2026, the Shapiro administration described a coordinated response involving state and federal personnel, diagnostic testing, industry partners and financial assistance. The Commonwealth said 42 U.S. Department of Agriculture employees were on the ground, alongside state staff, Penn State Extension experts and a National Guard Civil Support Team. These are figures reported by Pennsylvania, not independently audited totals.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The state’s February 18, 2026 release reported that its response team was working in 21 locations where HPAI had affected 7.2 million birds. It also said Pennsylvania had lost more than 14.3 million birds since the current outbreak began in February 2022, with approximately half of those losses occurring since the beginning of 2026. A later February 24 release reported more than 7.6 million birds lost in Pennsylvania since the start of 2026; the difference reflects snapshots on different dates.
Testing is another part of the response. Pennsylvania reported that its Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS) processed 672,342 HPAI tests from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, including more than 200,000 poultry samples and 29,000 cattle samples. During the six weeks preceding the February 18, 2026 release, the state said it had conducted 8,000 tests and tested 80,000 birds. The administration’s February releases describe state and federal coordination and the scale of its response: Pennsylvania’s February 18 response update and the February 24 farmer roundtable announcement.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful and Proven Pathogen Control with Chlorine Dioxide Chemistry: Oxine Animal Health (AH) is a high-performance disinfectant formulated with chlorine dioxide to eliminate odors and control a wide spectrum of harmful microorganisms, including over 60 viruses, bacteria such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and E. coli, as well as fungi and Parvovirus, making it a trusted solution in livestock operations, poultry farms, animal boarding facilities, veterinary hospitals, and more.
- Versatile Use for Comprehensive Biosecurity in Animal Environments: This Gallon-size formulation is ideal for fogging, spraying, surface cleaning, and drinking water line disinfection, providing flexible and effective sanitation options across various animal care areas including stables, kennels, tack rooms, barns, and hatcheries; it helps reduce cross-contamination, manage infectious disease outbreaks, and maintain healthy housing conditions for animals of all kinds.
- Ultra-High Activity Level with Long-Lasting Bacteriostatic Properties: Engineered for superior performance, Oxine delivers a concentration of 2.0–2.10% available chlorine dioxide, ensuring high activity at low dilution rates; it maintains effectiveness in the presence of organic material and continues to provide residual protection with extended bacteriostatic effect, outperforming many traditional disinfectants like bleach, iodophors, or quaternary ammonium compounds.
- EPA Registered, OMRI Listed, and Certified for Organic Use in Animal Care Settings: Backed by EPA registration for animal facility use and OMRI listing for organic production, Oxine meets stringent regulatory standards, providing assurance for use in agricultural operations, organic poultry production, and commercial animal environments that demand high safety, environmental responsibility, and consistent disinfection results.
- ECONOMICAL AND SAFE WHEN USED PROPERLY: Cost-effective gallon-size solution ideal for high-volume sanitation needs. Non-flammable, low toxicity (EPA Cat III), and must be activated with citric acid before use. Always remove animals before applying; made in the USA for reliable quality.
How does Pennsylvania’s HPAI Recovery Fund work?
The HPAI Recovery Fund offers grants to poultry producers and businesses that meet the program’s rules. A nearby outbreak alone does not establish eligibility or guarantee payment; applicants must check the active round’s criteria, application window, documentation requirements and available funding.
As of its February 18, 2026 release, Pennsylvania said $75 million had been committed to the fund since 2022, $59.45 million was in reserve, and 300 poultry businesses had received $15.9 million in grants. These are dated program figures, not a promise of current funds or an open application period. The state described the poultry industry as worth $7.1 billion in that same release.
Rank #2
- DELIGHTFUL HERBAL BLEND: Herbal Hootenanny dried nesting herbs for chickens are a premium blend of 100% natural herbs, carefully crafted to create a delightful botanical experience. Watch as your chickens go wild over our chicken coop deodorizer herbs, adding a touch of excitement to their coop.
- REDUCE STRESS, PROMOTE HEALTH: Give your backyard chickens the gift of tranquillity and well-being. Our chicken herbs are designed to help reduce stress and keep your precious hens healthy and calm. Create a serene environment for daily egg-laying on their cozy coop box pads with our coop refresher for chickens.
- NATURAL PROTECTION: Safeguard your pet chickens without harsh chemicals. Our natural and non-GMO chicken coop supplies, Herbal Hootenanny chicken dust bath mix, provide a protective shield against unwanted problems. Embrace a holistic approach to chicken care and ensure the well-being of your feathered friends.
- VERSATILE PROTECTION: Enhance the chicken coop experience with ease. Sprinkle a handful of our nesting herbs in chicken nesting pads, coop boxes, bedding, litter, and dust bath areas. These versatile coop refreshers for chickens can also be used in your home or office, adding a touch of freshness and charm to your surroundings or as a delightful addition to your house plants.
- LOVED BY POULTRY PETS: Show your feathered companions how much you care by providing them with the perfect non-GMO chicken feed blend. Herbal Hootenanny nesting herbs are not only loved by chickens but also by ducks and other poultry pets. Treat them to a wholesome and flavorful diet that promotes their overall well-being.
The available January 2025 sixth-round guidelines illustrate how a past round worked, but do not establish current terms. That round covered farms, integrators and allied industries with demonstrable financial losses tied to inclusion in a control or quarantine zone. Listed eligible costs included lost income, certain payroll and health-related expenses, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and specified working capital for reopening. The guidelines provided 100% reimbursement for losses up to $100,000, with amounts above that potentially reimbursed at a percentage dependent on applications and available funds; applications were accepted until 90 days after that round’s announcement. Those limits and rules apply to that sixth round only. Review the historical document, Pennsylvania’s January 2025 sixth-round guidelines, as an example rather than a current application guide.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Before counting on reimbursement, ask the Department of Agriculture which losses and expenses qualify in the current round, what records are required, whether costs covered by insurance or another funding source are excluded, and whether applications are being accepted. Pennsylvania’s October 2025 notice also pointed producers to USDA’s free Wildlife Biosecurity Assessments and the state Recovery Grants: Pennsylvania’s October 23, 2025 notice.
Rank #3
- Chicken Coop Deodorizer: Instantly Deodorizes
- Extends bedding life range
- Compatible with all types of bedding
What biosecurity steps should poultry farmers take?
Pennsylvania advises producers to build routine controls into farm operations rather than wait for a nearby case. State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg said, “Biosecurity — the preventative steps farmers take every day to help keep viruses from spreading on their farms — should be at the top of every farm management team’s operational plan.”
- Limit access to poultry areas and keep a record of people entering.
- Require protective clothing and footwear in poultry areas.
- Clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment before they enter or move between poultry areas.
- Keep domestic flocks separate from wild birds.
- Monitor flock health and promptly report unexplained illness or deaths.
These are farm-specific prevention measures, not a guarantee against infection; equipment or a single cleaning product should not be treated as a stand-alone solution. Producers can also request a free USDA Wildlife Biosecurity Assessment through the program linked in the state’s October 2025 notice.
Rank #4
- Vitamins Plus- In addition to the usual viatmins and electrolytes, GQF- Vitamins Plus contains organic acidifiers, and a supplemental source of live naturally-occurring microoranisms, such as: Lactobacillus, acidophilus and Enterococcus francium.
- When to use: First 7 days after hatch then one day per week there after. Also, after moving birds and during extreme weather.
- 4oz. package
Who should farmers contact about sick birds?
Pennsylvania’s February 2026 release directs poultry producers to report sick birds or unexplained flock deaths to the Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852. For sick or dead wild birds, it lists the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD. Confirm contact details with the relevant agency if they may have changed.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesDoes avian flu pose a risk to people or poultry products?
Pennsylvania’s February 2026 release characterized HPAI as a very low risk to the general public and said poultry products remain safe when properly handled and cooked. It also described the virus as highly infectious and generally fatal to domestic birds. The food-safety statement depends on following proper handling and cooking practices; it is not a reason to handle sick or dead birds.
Best Value
- Assist in extending the immunity system to fight whatever is ailing your birds
- Aids in maintaining healthy feathers, and blood circulation to comb and waddles
- Natural properties that aid in the reduction of swelling and pain relief for chickens/poultry/birds/etc.
- Everything needed to help you keep your chickens / poultry healthy and happy
- Ships usually in 24. Scientifically proven, field tested with amazing results.
For poultry farmers, the administration’s assurance is paired with practical steps: report unexplained flock illness promptly, follow farm biosecurity procedures, and check directly with state officials for active outbreak guidance and grant availability. The February 5, 2026 Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture update discusses prevention, response and recovery efforts: Pennsylvania’s HPAI prevention and recovery update.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
