AMITE COUNTY – A commercial broiler chicken flock in Amite County has tested positive for highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza, according to the Mississippi Board of Animal Health.
The agency said it was notified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory after testing was conducted at the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.
State officials said the affected property has been quarantined, and birds on the premises were depopulated to help prevent the spread of the virus. Birds from the flock did not enter the food supply, officials said.
The Mississippi Board of Animal Health said it is working with federal animal health officials in a joint response and is coordinating with the poultry industry to increase flock monitoring statewide.
Officials said this is Mississippi’s first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in commercial poultry since spring 2025.
The agency said avian influenza is not considered a food safety risk. Poultry and eggs remain safe to eat when properly handled and cooked, and public health risk remains low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health officials recommend cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees as a standard food safety precaution.