The Tennessee State Veterinarian is reporting a suspected detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in West Tennessee at a commercial chicken facility in Gibson County. Sequencing to determine the specific influenza strain is pending. Animal health officials have established a 6.2 mile control zone surrounding the affected facility.
Officials say although HPAI does not pose a food safety risk, no infected poultry will be allowed to enter the food supply. The risk of human infection with avian influenza during poultry outbreaks is very low. In fact, no transmission to humans was reported during the outbreak that affected backyard and commercial poultry farms in Tennessee in 2022.