May apply: check with the state · October 15, 2026
Waterfowl may not be shown or displayed at Connecticut fairs and shows in the 2026 season. We couldn't confirm whether this applies where you are, so call the Connecticut Department of Agriculture at 860-713-2505 before moving, showing or selling birds.
Read from 10 official sources·27 passages quoted·Checked on October 14, 2026
What the agency's own pages and tables showed when we checked, with the line each comes from.
APHIS's data (file downloaded October 14, 2026) lists 5 Connecticut detections, all backyard (WOAH Non-Poultry); the latest, New London 03 (February 6, 2025), shows control area released: NA
Feb 6, 2025·New London County·Backyard (Non-Poultry)·20 birds·no control area listed
The newest DoAg flock-health release (3/06/2026; all press-list pages 1-6 read) is spring biosecurity advice; it announces no order and says swaps, fairs and sales may be inspected.
“Poultry swaps, fairs, and sales events may be subject to inspection and enforcement. Non-compliance can lead to movement restrictions or other actions designed to protect animal health.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture · portal.ct.gov · import permits list
May apply where you are
These orders stand, but whether they bind anywhere today depends on local detections we couldn't confirm. Ask the agency before you move, show or sell birds.
May applyShows and fairs
Waterfowl may not be shown or displayed at Connecticut fairs and shows in the 2026 season
No end date in the source
Statewide · Connecticut fairs and shows, 2026 Fair & Show Season · Birds: waterfowl
Stated in both the in-state and the out-of-state poultry sections of DoAg's 2026 requirements
CT's fair rules follow the New England fair agreement, which sets CT's fair-and-show OCVI window as January 1 to October 31, 2026; the waterfowl rule's own end isn't printed
“Waterfowl are not allowed to be shown or displayed for the 2026 Fair & Show Season.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Regulatory Services · portal.ct.gov · Requirements for In-State Connecticut Animals, Poultry (and again under Out-of-State Animals, Poultry)
“Fair and Show OCVIs may be issued and used between January 1 and October 31, 2026”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture · portal.ct.gov · State-specific requirements, CT
“CVI issued within 60 days of first show (or in accordance with the NE fair agreement)”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Regulatory Services · portal.ct.gov · General 4
In force today
Worked out from each notice's dates for October 15, 2026. Bird-flu orders come first, then the standing rules.
Standing ruleShows and fairs
2026 Connecticut fair and show rules: show poultry need a pullorum test (or NPIP flock) and avian influenza testing
Out-of-state birds need AI-free status or a 30-day AI test, and none may come from any area with avian influenza
No end date in the source
Statewide · Connecticut fairs and shows, 2026 season · Birds: poultry (doves and pigeons exempt from testing but must be identified)
In-state birds: from healthy flocks; inspected, identified and accompanied by a CVMDL report of a negative Salmonella pullorum blood test within 365 days of the show, or proof of origin from a USDA NPIP flock
In-state birds: avian influenza testing of the flock and/or individual birds is required
In-state testing is scheduled through DoAg at 860-713-2541, at least two weeks before the first show
Out-of-state birds: identified, with a negative S. pullorum test within 12 months of the show and the certificate
Out-of-state birds: from AI-free flocks, or AI-tested within 30 days of entry, with a certificate
Out-of-state birds: none from any area of any state having avian influenza
Out-of-state: CVI within 60 days of the first show (or per the New England fair agreement); exhibition permit number on the health certificate (860-713-2504 or 860-713-2508)
No herd or flock under quarantine may move or be exhibited (in-state); none from a herd or flock under quarantine may enter the state (out-of-state)
Cages, crates and vehicles cleaned and disinfected before and after each show
Waterfowl barred for the 2026 season (row ct-2026-waterfowl-shows-1)
Animals in poor condition, showing disease, or without documents are ejected; the DoAg Livestock Inspector's decision is final
DoAg recommends (does not require) 3-4 weeks' isolation of returning birds
Out-of-state animals of all species must come from herds or flocks meeting Connecticut's import testing and health requirements
In-state doves and pigeons: exempt from testing but identified by CT Department of Agriculture within 365 days of the show
Out-of-state doves and pigeons: exempt from testing but identified by leg bands or wing tags
Out-of-state animals and birds offered for sale must meet Connecticut's animal importation regulations
“Avian Influenza testing of the flock and / or individual birds is required.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Regulatory Services · portal.ct.gov · In-State, Poultry
“All poultry must comply with the Department of Agriculture Avian Influenza (AI) requirements, originating from AI Free flocks or be tested for AI within 30 days of entry and have a certificate. No poultry from any areas of any state having Avian Influenza may enter Connecticut.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Regulatory Services · portal.ct.gov · Out-of-State, Poultry
“verifying the individual birds listed were blood tested negative- for Salmonella pullorum within 365 days of the show date or proof that the bird originated from a USDA NPIP flock.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Regulatory Services · portal.ct.gov · In-State, Poultry
“To schedule poultry testing please call- 860-713-2541 a minimum of two weeks before your scheduled show date.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture · portal.ct.gov · 2026 CT Fair Health Requirements
“Animals shall originate from herds or flocks that meet the animal import testing and health requirements of the State of Connecticut”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Regulatory Services · portal.ct.gov · Out-of-State, All Species
“Doves and pigeons are exempt from testing requirements but must be identified by CT Department of Agriculture within 365 days of the show date.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Regulatory Services · portal.ct.gov · In-State, Poultry
“All out of- -state animals and birds offered for sale must meet Connecticut Animal Importation Regulations.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Regulatory Services · portal.ct.gov · Out-of-State, All Species (after the exhibition-permit bullet)
Standing ruleShows and fairs
Advisory (not an order): the six New England state veterinarians strongly discourage exhibiting waterfowl and may recommend delaying or cancelling poultry shows
Events that go ahead should use biosecurity best practices
In effect from May 5, 2026 · No end date in the source
Statewide · fairs, competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps and other in-person events that gather or co-mingle birds (all six New England states) · Birds: domestic and wild waterfowl; domestic fowl and poultry
Advice to accredited veterinarians, exhibitors and show inspectors; memo dated May 5, 2026 (update)
Connecticut's own 2026 requirements go further and bar waterfowl (row ct-2026-waterfowl-shows-1)
“The New England State Veterinarians strongly discourage the exhibition of domestic and wild waterfowl species and may recommend delaying or canceling domestic fowl or poultry shows. If events are held, best practices for biosecurity should be implemented.”
New England State Veterinarians (CT: Dr. Thamus Morgan) · portal.ct.gov · Avian Influenza (HPAI) Notices, Avian species
Standing ruleSales, swaps and auctions
Standing law: birds or hatching eggs may be sold as disease-free or NPIP only by sellers in good standing in NPIP or an official disease-monitoring program
A flock that fails NPIP standards may not sell poultry until it requalifies
No end date in the source
Statewide · sales · Birds: live poultry and hatching eggs
CT NPIP registration fee $25 (under 100 birds) or $50, waived for owners 18 or younger
Flocks tested only to enter fairs, shows or exhibitions aren't covered by § 22-322
Rule:Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 22-322, 22-323 · Connecticut General Assembly (statutes revised to January 1, 2025; the 2026 Supplement's Title 22 list has no chapter 434; 2026-session acts not checked)
What the rule says (2 passages)
“No person, firm or corporation shall sell or offer for sale any live poultry or hatching eggs as being free of any particular avian disease or as participating in the National Poultry Improvement Plan program unless such person, firm or corporation is currently participating in, and in good standing with:”
Connecticut General Assembly (statutes revised to January 1, 2025; the 2026 Supplement's Title 22 list has no chapter 434; 2026-session acts not checked) · cga.ct.gov · § 22-323
“Whenever a flock fails to comply with the National Poultry Improvement Plan program standards or fails to qualify for an avian disease status, the owner of such flock shall not sell or offer for sale any poultry until such standards or status are met,”
Connecticut General Assembly (statutes revised to January 1, 2025; the 2026 Supplement's Title 22 list has no chapter 434; 2026-session acts not checked) · cga.ct.gov · § 22-322
How to reportReporting sick birds
DoAg asks keepers to report sick domestic birds or unexplained deaths to the State Veterinarian (860-713-2505, ctstate.vet@ct.gov) or USDA (866-536-7593)
No end date in the source
Statewide · Birds: domestic birds
Signs listed: unexplained high deaths, sudden drop in egg production, sudden fall in feed or water intake
DoAg: sick or dead birds showing signs of H5N1 shouldn't be picked up, brought home, or taken to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator
Dead wild birds (more than 5 in one place): DEEP Wildlife Division 860-424-3011
“To report sick domestic birds, including unexplained high number of deaths, sudden drop in egg production, or sudden reduction in feed or water intake, contact the State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505 or ctstate.vet@ct.gov or the USDA at 866-536-7593.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture · portal.ct.gov · Reporting
“Bird owners and the public are reminded that sick or dead birds (wild and domestic) should not be picked up, brought home, or taken to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator if displaying signs of H5N1 infection.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture · portal.ct.gov · para after biosecurity list
Bringing birds or hatching eggs into Connecticut
Live poultry (including waterfowl and pet birds) entering Connecticut need an official health certificate from the origin state and a prior DoAg import permit (AGR.SVCS@ct.gov). The importer returns the permit form with the certificate or NPIP VS 9-3 within 48 hours of arrival, and the birds stay segregated in quarantine, unsold, until DoAg releases them. Chicks and chicken hatching eggs need certification that they come from a pullorum-free flock. The 2026 show rules bar out-of-state birds from any area with avian influenza. The Commissioner may also embargo poultry from affected areas by order (§ 22-324(c)); none was found in force. NWS order (July 1, 2026, 120 days): birds from a state with a screwworm zone need a 5-day CVI with an NWS-free statement; chicks up to 3 days old and hatching eggs are exempt from examination.
What the entry rules say
“All baby chicks and chicken hatching eggs transported into the state shall be accompanied by a health certificate which certificate shall certify that such chicks or eggs are from a pullorum free flock.”
Connecticut General Assembly (statutes revised to January 1, 2025; the 2026 Supplement's Title 22 list has no chapter 434; 2026-session acts not checked) · cga.ct.gov · § 22-325
“The buyer/importer must keep all imported birds and all imported hatching eggs segregated (in quarantine) from other birds and hatching eggs.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture · portal.ct.gov · step 6
“Such order may include, but not be limited to, an embargo on the importation of poultry or poultry products into the state from states or areas where any infectious, contagious or transmissible avian disease is present”
Connecticut General Assembly (statutes revised to January 1, 2025; the 2026 Supplement's Title 22 list has no chapter 434; 2026-session acts not checked) · cga.ct.gov · § 22-324(c)
Standing ruleBringing birds in
Standing law: live poultry entering Connecticut need an official health certificate and a DoAg import permit, must be reported within 48 hours of arrival, and stay in quarantine until DoAg releases them
No end date in the source
Statewide · entry into Connecticut · Birds: live poultry (all domesticated fowl incl. chickens, turkeys, waterfowl, pet, zoological and psittacine birds); baby chicks and chicken hatching eggs
Official health certificate from the state of origin
Prior import permit from the Commissioner, stating the number of birds (request by email to AGR.SVCS@ct.gov)
Written notice to DoAg within 48 hours of arrival (date and number of birds): return the signed permit form with a copy of the health certificate or NPIP VS 9-3
Birds held in quarantine at destination, segregated, not sold or mingled with other poultry until DoAg issues a release
Quarantine, examination and test costs paid by the owner; diseased birds may be destroyed
Baby chicks and chicken hatching eggs: health certificate showing a pullorum-free flock
Psittacine birds (except budgerigars) for sale: at least 7 days' quarantine
Ratites: pullorum and AI tests within 30 days, a permit and an interstate health certificate (DoAg import sheet)
Rule:Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-325, Importation regulated · Connecticut General Assembly (statutes revised to January 1, 2025; the 2026 Supplement's Title 22 list has no chapter 434; 2026-session acts not checked)
What the rule says (3 passages)
“Each person, firm or corporation transporting into this state any live poultry shall cause the same to be accompanied by an official health certificate from the state of exportation and a permit issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture in such form as he prescribes,”
Connecticut General Assembly (statutes revised to January 1, 2025; the 2026 Supplement's Title 22 list has no chapter 434; 2026-session acts not checked) · cga.ct.gov · § 22-325, sentence 1
“No such poultry imported into this state shall be sold or offered for sale or be permitted to mingle with other poultry until the commissioner has issued a certificate authorizing the release of such poultry.”
Connecticut General Assembly (statutes revised to January 1, 2025; the 2026 Supplement's Title 22 list has no chapter 434; 2026-session acts not checked) · cga.ct.gov · § 22-325
“The buyer/importer returns the completed, signed and dated Poultry and Live Bird Importation Permit form within 48 hours of receiving the birds or hatching eggs with the actual numbers of each species/variety/type of bird or hatching egg received and a copy of the health certificate or the NPIP VS 9-3 form that came with the birds or hatching eggs.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture · portal.ct.gov · step 4
Other disease entry orders
Not about bird flu, but they apply to poultry coming in.
May applyBringing birds in
New World screwworm entry order (effective July 1, 2026, for 120 days): birds from a state with a screwworm infested or surveillance zone need a CVI issued within 5 days stating they were inspected and found free of wounds and screwworm
In effect from July 1, 2026 · Ends by October 29, 2026 at the latest
Statewide · domestic animals entering Connecticut from NWS-affected areas · Birds: susceptible species (all warm-blooded domestic animals, poultry included); hatching eggs and birds up to 3 days old exempt from examination
From a state containing an infested or adjacent surveillance zone: CVI within 5 days with an individual-inspection statement, even for animals otherwise exempt from a CVI
From an infested zone: examined and found NWS-free before entry, and treated with an FDA/USDA/EPA-authorised NWS product, noted on the CVI
None from an NWS-quarantined or suspect premises until released
Hatching eggs and birds up to 3 days old: exempt from examination; may ship on a CVI or 9-3
In effect 120 days from July 1, 2026 unless rescinded, extended or amended
“To report sick domestic birds, including unexplained high number of deaths, sudden drop in egg production, or sudden reduction in feed or water intake, contact the State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505 or ctstate.vet@ct.gov or the USDA at 866-536-7593.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture · portal.ct.gov · Reporting
Recent detections in Connecticut
USDA APHIS lists no confirmed bird-flu detections in Connecticut flocks in the 30 days to October 14, 2026. Latest detection in the APHIS data: October 9, 2026. The national picture
Common questions
Is there a bird flu order in Connecticut right now?
Waterfowl may not be shown or displayed at Connecticut fairs and shows in the 2026 season. We couldn't confirm whether this applies where you are, so call the Connecticut Department of Agriculture at 860-713-2505 before moving, showing or selling birds.
Can I take my chickens to a poultry show or swap in Connecticut?
Possibly: Waterfowl may not be shown or displayed at Connecticut fairs and shows in the 2026 season. Whether it applies where you are couldn't be confirmed, so call the Connecticut Department of Agriculture at 860-713-2505 before an event.
What do I need to bring chickens or hatching eggs into Connecticut?
Live poultry (including waterfowl and pet birds) entering Connecticut need an official health certificate from the origin state and a prior DoAg import permit (AGR.SVCS@ct.gov). The importer returns the permit form with the certificate or NPIP VS 9-3 within 48 hours of arrival, and the birds stay segregated in quarantine, unsold, until DoAg releases them. Chicks and chicken hatching eggs need certification that they come from a pullorum-free flock. The 2026 show rules bar out-of-state birds from any area with avian influenza. The Commissioner may also embargo poultry from affected areas by order (§ 22-324(c)); none was found in force. NWS order (July 1, 2026, 120 days): birds from a state with a screwworm zone need a 5-day CVI with an NWS-free statement; chicks up to 3 days old and hatching eggs are exempt from examination.
Who do I call about sick or dead birds in Connecticut?
Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg), Bureau of Regulatory Services / Office of the State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505 (State Veterinarian). Report sick or dying birds there or to USDA at 1-866-536-7593. This page is not veterinary advice; follow your state veterinarian.
How current is this page?
We read Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg), Bureau of Regulatory Services / Office of the State Veterinarian's notices on October 14, 2026. Whether each order is in force is worked out from its dates every time the page is rebuilt, at least once an hour, so an order never shows as in force after it ends.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-325, Importation regulated. Connecticut General Assembly (statutes revised to January 1, 2025; the 2026 Supplement's Title 22 list has no chapter 434; 2026-session acts not checked).
We read each document ourselves and last checked this page against them on October 14, 2026. Where they disagree, we show you the disagreement instead of picking a winner quietly.
What we couldn't confirm
DoAg's press-release list was read in full (pages 1-6, 54 releases, 11/21/2025-10/14/2026). The only flock-health release is 3/6/2026 (spring biosecurity advice), and none announces an HPAI order. No Commissioner's order under § 22-324(c) was found on the DoAg pages read.
Date conflict: DoAg's October 2025 release says Connecticut last confirmed H5N1 in a backyard flock in January 2025, but APHIS lists New London 03 on February 6, 2025 (and New Haven 02 on January 24, 2025).
The 2026 fair rules are a DoAg requirements document, recorded with kind 'notice'. The '2026 Fair & Show Season' end date isn't stated, so after the season the waterfowl ban's status needs a fresh read of the 2027 rules. A web search also turned up an earlier 2026 version (no 'rev-632026' in its URL), which wasn't read. The 6/3/2026 revision is the one the State Veterinarian page links.
The out-of-state bar 'No poultry from any areas of any state having Avian Influenza' gives no definition of 'areas' (control area, county or state). Recorded as written.
§ 22-324(f): the Commissioner 'shall not be responsible for testing and certifying poultry prior to any show or exhibition', yet DoAg's state-vet page offers in-state show testing by appointment. Both are recorded as written.
The DoAg import requirements PDF is linked with two different hash parameters (livestock page and state-vet page). The livestock-page copy was saved.
Nature: the 2026 waterfowl show ban and the NWS order are 'order' rows. The fair rules, the New England advisory and the statutes are standing rules; the advisory is classed standing_rule so it can't trigger a restriction alert. The NWS order's 120-day end (late October 2026) needs a check for an extension.
ct-2026-waterfowl-shows-1: read from the revision dated 6/3/2026; when the rule first appeared in 2026 isn't stated. Its term is the '2026 Fair & Show Season', which the document doesn't define; the NE agreement's CT window runs to October 31, 2026. Re-read DoAg's fair page after October 31, 2026. Owner checklist: decide whether that window counts as the season (if so, appliesToday 'yes' to 10-31).
Statute currency: the 2026 Supplement (revised to January 1, 2026) lists no chapter 434 changes, but 2026-session public acts touching §§ 22-322 to 22-326 weren't searched.
ct-2026-nws-entry-1: Duration: 120 days from July 1, 2026 unless rescinded, extended or amended (endsOnLatest October 29, 2026); re-check after that date
appliesToday: NWS entry orders are marked 'unknown' where they bind only birds from a state, county or zone with a current screwworm infested or surveillance zone, because no current APHIS screwworm zone list was read. Maryland's rule names Texas and New Mexico outright, so it's marked 'yes'.
