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Flock Status · Rhode Island

Bird flu rules for backyard flocks in Rhode Island

Standing rules only · October 15, 2026

We found no bird-flu order covering Rhode Island or any of its areas today. Its standing rules for bringing birds in and showing them still apply.

Read from 5 official sources21 passages quotedChecked on October 14, 2026

At a glance

Today

Standing rules only

Bird-flu orders in force

None found

APHIS detections, 30 days

None listed

Report sick birds

(401) 222-2781

Not veterinary advice: follow your state veterinarian. This is a sourced reading of official notices, dated when we read them. Orders can change overnight, so confirm with Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment, State Veterinarian before you move, show or sell birds.

Being re-checked

Being re-checked

These rest on a notice that may be out of date, or that we couldn't read with our tools. We don't show them as current rules until they're confirmed; if they matter to you, ask the agency directly.

  • Current situation

    APHIS lists 3 Rhode Island detections: Newport 01 (2022) shows a control-area release; Washington 01 (2025, backyard) and Providence 01 (live bird market, June 12, 2026) show 'NA'. DEM's own notices couldn't be read.

    Why: DEM's pages return a Cloudflare 403; its response to the Providence live bird market case (June 12, 2026) and any 2025-26 order are unread

    Waiting on: owner browser read of https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/agriculture-and-resource-marketing/animal-health and https://dem.ri.gov/avian-influenza

    The text in question

    • Jun 12, 2026Providence CountyLive Bird Market450 birdsno control area listed

      USDA APHIS · publicdashboards.dl.usda.gov · last Rhode Island row

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

Out-of-state poultry may come to Rhode Island fairs and shows for under 10 consecutive days, with a pullorum-typhoid negative test (bird or flock) within one year and official reports, official ID, inspection on site, and a CVI unless the event qualifies for the § 1.22(F) exemption

In effect from January 4, 2022 · No end date in the source

Statewide · fairs, shows and exhibitions with imported animals · Birds: poultry imported for fairs, shows or exhibitions

  • Import for a fair, show or exhibition only for less than 10 consecutive days (1.22(A))
  • CVI required unless the event qualifies for the § 1.22(F) exemption: issued in the calendar year of the show; a copy travels with the birds, and a copy goes to the State Veterinarian before entry with an itinerary of Rhode Island show dates and addresses (1.22(E))
  • Individually tested or flock tested negative for pullorum-typhoid within one year; official test reports travel with the birds
  • All animals imported for exhibition officially identified
  • Conditions for the event-level CVI exemption (1.22(F)): a responsible party (RI resident) notifies the State Veterinarian at least 14 days ahead, keeps an animal list for one year, posts § 1.22 at entrances, and has a RI-licensed veterinarian present or on call with authorised inspectors
  • Inspectors may refuse animals showing signs such as nasal or ocular discharge, coughing, feather loss, diarrhoea, or known exposure
  • Signs of contagious disease mean rejection, and out-of-state animals may be removed from the state

Rule: 250-RICR-40-05-1, Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals (effective 01/04/2022) · RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State), January 4, 2022

What the rule says (6 passages)
  • “Poultry must be either individually tested or the flock of origin must be tested and found negative for pullorum-typhoid. Such individual bird or flock testing must have occurred no greater than one (1) year before the event. Official test reports must accompany the imported birds.”

    RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · 1.22(I)(4)

  • “Requirements for Animals Imported for the Purpose of Fair, Show, or Exhibition”

    RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · 1.22 heading

  • “Animals may only be imported for the purpose of fair, show, or exhibition if the importation is for less than ten (10) consecutive days.”

    RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · 1.22(A)

  • “Unless exempted in § 1.22(F) of this Part, certificates of veterinary inspection are required for the importation of all animals subject to this Part.”

    RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · 1.22(E)

  • “Certificates must be issued within the calendar year that the importation for the purpose of fair, show, or exhibition takes place.”

    RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · 1.22(E)

  • “A copy of the certificate must accompany the animal while in the state and a copy must be mailed to the State Veterinarian prior to entry into the state along with an itinerary indicating the dates and physical addresses where the animal(s) imported for the purpose of fair, show, or exhibition will be exhibited in Rhode Island.”

    RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · 1.22(E)

Standing ruleShows and fairs

Advisory (not an order): the six New England state veterinarians, Rhode Island's included, strongly discourage waterfowl exhibitions and may recommend delaying or cancelling poultry shows

In effect from May 5, 2026 · No end date in the source

Statewide · fairs, exhibitions, shows, swaps and other bird gatherings (all six New England states) · Birds: domestic and wild waterfowl; domestic fowl and poultry

  • Read from Connecticut's copy of the May 5, 2026 update; DEM's site is blocked

Guidance: Memorandum: 2026 New England Fairs and Shows (May 5, 2026 update) · New England State Veterinarians (RI: Dr. Scott Marshall), May 5, 2026

What the guidance says (1 passage)
  • “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 (RI: Dr. Scott Marshall) · portal.ct.gov · Avian Influenza (HPAI) Notices, Avian species

How to reportReporting sick birds

Anyone who knows or suspects a reportable disease, HPAI in any bird included, must report it to the State Veterinarian ((401) 222-2781

After hours (401) 222-3070)

No end date in the source

Statewide · Birds: all birds (HPAI); poultry (H5/H7 LPAI)

  • HPAI is reportable in all birds; H5/H7 LPAI in poultry only
  • Type 1 diseases and conditions reported immediately on detection, diagnosis or suspicion
  • Reports by phone or fax ((401) 222-6047), with owner, address, flock size and the numbers sick and dead

Rule: 250-RICR-40-05-11, Rules and Regulations Governing Reportable Animal Diseases and Conditions · RI DEM

What the rule says (2 passages)
  • “Any person who knows or believes an animal is infected with any reportable disease, or is affected by a reportable condition, is required to report that disease or condition to the Rhode Island State Veterinarian.”

    RI DEM · rules.sos.ri.gov · 11.5(A)(1)

  • “Highly pathogenic avian influenza (reporting of occurrence in all birds)”

    RI DEM · rules.sos.ri.gov · reportable list

Bringing birds or hatching eggs into Rhode Island

Poultry entering Rhode Island need a CVI and a DEM import permit (hatching eggs and day-old chicks from NPIP pullorum-free flocks are exempt from ID and CVI) and pullorum-free origin or a 30-day pullorum test. Birds from an avian influenza control zone need a negative AI test within 10 days before entry. Birds from any state or region under a disease quarantine need the State Veterinarian's written approval. Until October 24, 2026, birds from an NWS Restricted Area county also need examination and a 5-day CVI with an NWS-free statement.

What the entry rules say
  • “All poultry less than five (5) months of age and all hatching eggs imported into the state must originate from a flock designated as “Pullorum Free” under the supervision of the poultry disease control officials in the state of origin.”

    RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · 1.14(B)

Standing ruleBringing birds in

Poultry, ratites and game birds from any avian influenza control zone must test negative for AI (or come from an AI tested-negative flock) within 10 days before entry

Hatching eggs from such zones need AI-negative parent flocks

In effect from January 4, 2022 · No end date in the source

Statewide · entry into Rhode Island from any zone under control for avian influenza · Birds: poultry, ratites and game birds of any age; hatching eggs

  • Test no more than 10 days before entry, by a method the State Veterinarian approves
  • AI testing may be required at any time (R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 4-4)
  • Birds from any state or region under a state or federal disease quarantine need the State Veterinarian's written approval (1.5(B))

Rule: 250-RICR-40-05-1, Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals (effective 01/04/2022) · RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State), January 4, 2022

What the rule says (3 passages)
  • “All poultry, ratites, and game birds of any age, that originates in any zone under control for avian influenza must be tested and found to be negative for avian influenza, or originate from an avian influenza tested negative flock.”

    RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · 1.14(C)

  • “Testing for Avian Influenza must be performed no more than ten (10) days prior to entry into the state.”

    RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · 1.14(C)

  • “No person shall import, or cause to be imported into the state, any animal(s) or bird(s) which originates from any state or region that is under any state or federal quarantine that has been issued due to the presence or suspected presence of a contagious disease unless approved, in writing, by the Rhode Island State Veterinarian.”

    RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · general import rule B

Standing ruleBringing birds in

Poultry entering Rhode Island need a CVI and an import permit; pullorum-free flock origin or a 30-day pullorum test for birds 5 months or older

In effect from January 4, 2022 · No end date in the source

Statewide · entry into Rhode Island · Birds: domestic animals including poultry and ratites

  • CVI and import permit (R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 4-5), or an owner-shipper statement where the rules allow
  • Official identification and CVI (or another federally recognised disease-free certification) for poultry, ratites and game birds
  • Pullorum: birds 5 months or older and breeding/production hatching eggs from a 'Pullorum Free' flock or tested negative within 30 days; younger birds and all hatching eggs from Pullorum Free flocks
  • Exempt from ID and CVI: hatching eggs and day-old chicks from NPIP pullorum-free flocks
  • No birds affected with or exposed to contagious disease without written approval

Rule: 250-RICR-40-05-1, Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals (effective 01/04/2022) · RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State), January 4, 2022

What the rule says (2 passages)
  • “No person shall import, or cause to be imported into the state, any domestic animal, including but not limited to goats, cattle, swine, sheep, equines, camelids, dogs, cats, poultry, or ratites unless such animal(s) is accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and Import Permit”

    RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · general import rule A

  • “Exemptions from individual animal identification and the requirement for a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection will be made for hatching eggs and day-old chicks shipped from NPIP enrolled flocks that are certified pullorum free.”

    RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · general import rule G

Other disease entry orders

Not about bird flu, but they apply to poultry coming in.

May applyBringing birds in

New World screwworm emergency rule (June 26 to October 24, 2026): birds from a county with a screwworm Restricted Area must be examined and arrive with a CVI issued within 5 days stating they are free of wounds and screwworm

In effect from June 26, 2026 · In force through October 24, 2026

Statewide · animals entering Rhode Island from a county with an NWS Restricted Area · Birds: susceptible species (any warm-blooded animal except humans); hatching eggs and birds up to 3 days old exempt from examination

  • From any county with a Restricted Area (infested zone plus adjacent surveillance zone, 20 km each): examined and found NWS-free by an accredited veterinarian before entry
  • CVI (or official freedom document) issued within 5 days, with an individual-inspection statement
  • Animals with visible wounds: treated with an FDA/USDA/EPA-authorised NWS product before entry, product and date on the CVI
  • None from an NWS-quarantined or suspect premises until deemed free
  • Hatching eggs and birds up to 3 days old: exempt from examination; may ship on a CVI or 9-3
  • All other import rules (Part 1) still apply

Rule: 250-RICR-40-05-12, Emergency Regulation Temporarily Amending the Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals · RI DEM (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State), June 26, 2026

What the rule says (3 passages)
  • ““Susceptible Species” means any species of warm-blooded animal except human beings.”

    RI DEM (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · 12.4(B)(5)

  • “Shipment of hatching eggs and birds up to 3 days of age are exempt from the examination requirement and may be shipped using a CVI or 9-3 form.”

    RI DEM (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · 12.5(B)(6)

  • “06/26/2026 to 10/24/2026”

    RI DEM (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State) · rules.sos.ri.gov · Overview, Effective

Federal rules apply on top for any move across a state line: official ID and a health certificate or NPIP paperwork.

Sick or dead birds? Who to call

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment, State Veterinarian

(401) 222-2781 (business hours); (401) 222-3070 after hours (DEM Law Enforcement)

The agency's bird flu page

  • “Reports during regular business hours may be made by calling (401) 222-2781 (DEM Division of Agriculture).”

    RI DEM · rules.sos.ri.gov · 11.5(A)(2)(a)

Recent detections in Rhode Island

USDA APHIS lists no confirmed bird-flu detections in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island right now?
We found no bird-flu order covering Rhode Island or any of its areas today. Its standing rules for bringing birds in and showing them still apply.
Can I take my chickens to a poultry show or swap in Rhode Island?
We found no bird-flu ban on shows or sales in force on October 15, 2026. Standing rules apply: Out-of-state poultry may come to Rhode Island fairs and shows for under 10 consecutive days, with a pullorum-typhoid negative test; Advisory.
What do I need to bring chickens or hatching eggs into Rhode Island?
Poultry entering Rhode Island need a CVI and a DEM import permit (hatching eggs and day-old chicks from NPIP pullorum-free flocks are exempt from ID and CVI) and pullorum-free origin or a 30-day pullorum test. Birds from an avian influenza control zone need a negative AI test within 10 days before entry. Birds from any state or region under a disease quarantine need the State Veterinarian's written approval. Until October 24, 2026, birds from an NWS Restricted Area county also need examination and a 5-day CVI with an NWS-free statement.
Who do I call about sick or dead birds in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment, State Veterinarian at (401) 222-2781 (business hours); (401) 222-3070 after hours (DEM Law Enforcement). 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 Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment, 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.
Sources
  1. Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment, State Veterinarian: bird flu page. Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment, State Veterinarian.
  2. 250-RICR-40-05-12, Emergency Regulation Temporarily Amending the Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals. RI DEM (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State). June 26, 2026.
  3. 250-RICR-40-05-1, Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals (effective 01/04/2022). RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture (RI Code of Regulations, Secretary of State). January 4, 2022.
  4. Memorandum: 2026 New England Fairs and Shows (May 5, 2026 update). New England State Veterinarians (RI: Dr. Scott Marshall). May 5, 2026.
  5. 250-RICR-40-05-11, Rules and Regulations Governing Reportable Animal Diseases and Conditions. RI DEM.
  6. last Rhode Island row. USDA APHIS.

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
  • dem.ri.gov returned a Cloudflare challenge (HTTP 403) on both requests, so DEM's own HPAI page, news and any 2025-26 HPAI order or show notice couldn't be read. The rows rest on the RI Code of Regulations (rules.sos.ri.gov).
  • Providence 01 (live bird market, APHIS June 12, 2026) has no DEM notice on file; any market closure terms are unknown.
  • Rhode Island's own 2026 fair poultry requirements (if any beyond § 1.22) are unread.
  • The NWS emergency rule ends October 24, 2026. Check for a permanent rule or renewal after that date.
  • Nature: the NWS emergency rule is the only 'order'. Part 1 and Part 11 are standing rules, and the New England advisory is classed standing_rule so it can't trigger an alert.
  • The rules site's download links point to Amazon S3 (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com), the Secretary of State's file store. Only the HTML rule text on rules.sos.ri.gov was used.
  • ri-2026-nws-entry-emergency-1: Emergency rule 250-RICR-40-05-12, effective 06/26/2026 to 10/24/2026; all other import rules (Part 1) still apply
  • 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'.

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