State animal health officials have confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial poultry operation in Shelby County, Texas. The Texas Animal Health Commission reported that testing was verified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Details about the size or type of flock affected have not been released. The agency indicated that significant bird losses were observed, prompting samples to be sent to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, where the virus was confirmed on December 11.
The affected site has been placed under quarantine, and state and federal animal health authorities are coordinating a response. Surveillance efforts are underway in surrounding areas as part of established avian influenza control measures.
Officials are urging poultry owners to strengthen biosecurity practices, particularly by limiting contact between domestic birds and wildlife, closely monitoring flocks for signs of illness, and promptly reporting unexplained sickness or deaths.
This marks the first confirmed detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial poultry flock in Texas in 2025. Earlier this year, the virus was identified in several backyard flocks and at one animal rescue and rehabilitation facility, cases that do not impact international poultry trade under World Organisation for Animal Health guidelines.
The most recent previous outbreak affecting a Texas commercial flock occurred in April 2024, when nearly 1.9 million laying hens in Parmer County tested positive for the virus.
