Strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus have been present in Pennsylvania’s wild birds since early 2022.

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania convened a crisis response meeting this week to address a massive avian influenza outbreak in the state. Per state officials, nearly 7.6 million birds have contracted the virus thus far, causing major concerns for both the poultry industry as well as local communities with regard to the highly contagious virus.

Pennsylvania Game Commission officials are asking bird watchers and hunters to report sick or dead birds they encounter, as they continue to monitor avian influenza’s presence in the region. “Avian influenza can affect any bird,