At a Glance
- Kansas now reports 414,647 birds affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza, the largest U.S. total
- The virus is spreading through migrating wild waterfowl during winter months
- No human cases have been detected in Kansas; nationwide total is 74 cases and 2 deaths since 2024
- Why it matters: Poultry owners must tighten biosecurity as the seasonal peak continues
Kansas is battling the nation’s biggest bird-flu surge, with 414,647 birds infected across commercial and backyard flocks, according to new USDA data released January 12, 2026. The state’s caseload dwarfs the next-hardest-hit state, Indiana, which has logged about 72,720 affected birds.
Outbreak Scope
The Kansas Department of Agriculture confirmed four infected commercial poultry flocks and six affected backyard flocks in the past 30 days. Roughly 380,000 of the state’s cases stem from a single commercial operation in Pottawatomie County.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)-covering H5 and H7 strains-kills close to 100 percent of infected poultry, the USDA says. While devastating for producers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses that the public-health risk remains low.
Seasonal Pattern
State officials note the spike follows a familiar winter rhythm.
“December and January have been the months when we have seen the highest number of positive cases since this outbreak began in 2022,” Heather Lansdowne, spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Agriculture, told the Kansas Reflector. She added that the 2023-2024 winter saw higher overall losses, expressing hope that cases will taper as the season progresses.
Transmission Drivers
Migrating wild waterfowl-ducks and geese-are the primary carriers. These birds can shed the virus without symptoms, contaminating ponds, feed, and equipment.
Key biosecurity steps urged by the state:
- Keep poultry away from wild-bird habitats
- Clean footwear and clothing after visiting lakes or ponds
- House flocks in enclosed areas that block wild-bird entry
- Avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds
- Watch for signs: respiratory distress, lethargy, reduced egg production, diarrhea, sudden death
When infections are confirmed, officials impose quarantines and work with farms on recovery plans. Infected birds and eggs never enter the food supply, the department emphasized.
Human Impact
Kansas has recorded zero human cases. Nationally, the CDC has logged 74 human infections and two deaths since 2024, mainly among dairy and poultry workers with direct animal contact.
The CDC stated: “H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with sporadic human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.”
Looking Ahead
State veterinarians will keep monitoring wild-bird migration routes and winter weather forecasts, both of which can extend the high-risk period. Poultry owners are advised to report suspicious deaths immediately and to submit samples for rapid testing.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas leads the nation with 414,647 birds affected by HPAI
- A single Pottawatomie County farm accounts for 380,000 of those losses
- Wild waterfowl migrations drive the winter surge
- No Kansas residents have contracted the virus
- Strict biosecurity remains the best defense for domestic flocks
