PA Governor Declares 'Crisis Mode' Over Avian Flu Outbreak

Shapiro says over 7.6 million birds have died across the state, vows $60 million in aid

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has declared the state is in 'crisis mode' as an avian flu outbreak continues to spread, with over 7.6 million birds dying across the Commonwealth, many in Lancaster County. Shapiro made the announcement during a roundtable with farmers and agricultural leaders, stating the state plans to distribute close to $60 million through the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Recovery Fund to help poultry producers recover from the devastating losses.

Why it matters

The avian flu outbreak in Pennsylvania has led to massive losses for the state's poultry industry, which is a critical part of the agricultural economy. The crisis has raised concerns about food supply and prices, as well as the livelihoods of farmers and workers in the sector.

The details

The avian flu has spread rapidly across Pennsylvania, leading to the deaths of over 7.6 million birds. The hardest hit area has been Lancaster County, a major poultry-producing region. In response, the Shapiro administration plans to provide $60 million in aid through the state's Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Recovery Fund to help poultry producers recover from the losses.

  • The avian flu outbreak has been ongoing in Pennsylvania.

The players

Josh Shapiro

The Governor of Pennsylvania who declared the state is in 'crisis mode' over the avian flu outbreak.

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What they’re saying

“We plan to distribute close to 60-million-dollars through the state's Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Recovery Fund, which was created to help poultry producers recover from devastating losses due to bird flu.”

— Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania (lightnercommunications.com)

What’s next

The Shapiro administration will work to distribute the $60 million in aid to poultry producers impacted by the avian flu outbreak.

The takeaway

The avian flu crisis in Pennsylvania has led to massive losses for the state's poultry industry, prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency and pledge significant financial assistance to help farmers and producers recover.