Delaware reports presumptive H5 HPAI in Kent broiler flock

Delaware agriculture officials said preliminary testing found a presumptive positive H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza case in a commercial broiler flock in Kent County on January 10, 2026. The premises was quarantined, depopulation began under state and federal protocols, and officials said birds from the flock would not enter the food system. Delaware described it as the state’s first commercial-flock detection of the 2025–26 waterfowl migratory season, and the state’s avian influenza information center later showed another Kent County commercial-flock event reported on February 26, with control areas from those events released on February 2 and March 17, respectively. (news.delaware.gov)

Why it matters: For veterinarians serving poultry operations, the case is another reminder that HPAI pressure on Delmarva remains persistent, even after prior control areas are lifted. Delaware says it conducts daily surveillance with the University of Delaware laboratory system, while USDA APHIS continues to emphasize standardized prevention and control measures for commercial and backyard flocks. CDC’s poultry dashboard also notes that USDA commercial and backyard flock data are updated regularly, underscoring the need for fast reporting, strict movement controls, and practical biosecurity reinforcement with growers and farm staff. (news.delaware.gov)

What to watch: Watch for any additional APHIS confirmations, new control-area actions on Delmarva, and whether regional wild bird activity continues to drive commercial poultry detections. (agriculture.delaware.gov)