Avian Influenza Update

Avian Influenza has been detected in the US - Sparboe will keep you informed on this dynamic situation. ​For the last several weeks, HPAI has been detected in wild birds throughout the Atlantic Flyway. On Tuesday February 8th, the USDA confirmed a case of High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Indiana. This is the first confirmed case in a commercial flock in the US since 2020. On Monday February 14th, a commercial broiler chicken flock in Kentucky was also confirmed to have HPAI.

What is Sparboe doing:

• Sparboe participates in ongoing voluntary AI surveillance and has a robust biosecurity plan in place at all locations.
• Sparboe is actively involved with AI experts like the MN Board of Animal Health and USDA to ensure we use best practices and are prepared in the event HPAI is detected in any areas where we have farms. After the outbreak in 2015, we have more understanding and experience with HPAI and are more prepared today.
• On February 2nd, Sparboe participated in an AI preparedness exercise hosted by the University of Minnesota.
• On February 7th, Sparboe implemented heightened biosecurity measures at all farms.

What does this mean to you:

• Avian influenza is not a food safety issue and poultry testing positive for HPAI are prohibited by law from entering the marketplace. 
• As of now, Sparboe has not been directly impacted by AI - it's business as usual. 
• Ongoing industry-wide issues with packaging and nation-wide staffing and covid challenges continue to persist and may be exacerbated by the evolving AI situation.

• While we are on heightened alert for the health and safety of our hens, we remain committed to filling our customer orders on time and in full.