Who do I call about sick or dead birds in Vermont?

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), Animal Health Section (State Veterinarian) at (802) 828-2421 (State Veterinarian's Office); USDA 1-866-536-7593. 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 Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), Animal Health Section (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.

Flock Status · Vermont

Bird flu rules for backyard flocks in Vermont

Standing rules only · October 15, 2026

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

Read from 9 official sources14 passages quotedChecked on October 14, 2026

Today

Standing rules only

Bird-flu orders in force

None found

APHIS detections, 30 days

None listed

Report sick birds

(802) 828-2421

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 Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), Animal Health Section (State Veterinarian) before you move, show or sell birds.

Current situation

What the agency's own pages and tables showed when we checked, with the line each comes from.

VAAFM's Animal Health home page (read October 14, 2026) says waterfowl may be shown with caution (the 2025 season ban isn't repeated)
- “Given the ongoing risk of HPAI to poultry and livestock, waterfowl (such as ducks, geese, or swans) may be shown with caution.”
  Vermont Agency of Agriculture · agriculture.vermont.gov · HPAI notice
APHIS's latest Vermont detection, Orleans 02 (WOAH Poultry, December 5, 2025), shows control area released December 19, 2025
- Dec 5, 2025Orleans CountyBackyard (Poultry)290 birdscontrol area released Dec 19, 2025
  USDA APHIS · publicdashboards.dl.usda.gov · last Vermont 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

Fowl may be exhibited at any fair, show, meet or swap only with a certificate of health showing a negative pullorum-typhoid test, or a PT clean or passed flock, within the past 12 months (VAAFM's posted copy

Currency on the official code unconfirmed)

No end date in the source

Statewide · any fair, show, meet or event where fowl are assembled, bird swaps included · Birds: domestic fowl (testing: turkeys, chickens, guinea fowl, peacocks, pheasants 20 weeks and older; waterfowl not PT-tested)

VAAFM offers free AI and S. pullorum testing at fairs and bird swaps; at swaps, owners must check in at the testing station and have eligible birds tested before selling
Tested birds get a numbered metal leg band linked to the owner
Turkeys, chickens, guinea fowl, peacocks and pheasants 20 weeks and older must be PT tested; waterfowl aren't subject to PT testing

Rule: Vermont Administrative Code 2-4-309:F6.114, Exhibition of Domestic Fowl · VAAFM Animal Health Section

What the rule says (2 passages)

“Domestic fowl shall not be offered or accepted for exhibition purposes at any fair, show, meet or any event where such fowl are assembled unless the owner or keeper has acquired a certificate of health from the responsible State Livestock Official in the state, province or country of origin;”
VAAFM Animal Health Section · agriculture.vermont.gov · F6.114
“When arriving at the bird swap, it is the bird owner’s responsibility to check in at the Animal Health Section bird testing station and have all eligible birds tested before selling them at the event.”
Vermont Agency of Agriculture · agriculture.vermont.gov · Poultry Exhibit Information

Standing ruleShows and fairs

Advisory (not an order): the six New England state veterinarians, Vermont'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

Guidance: Memorandum: 2026 New England Fairs and Shows (May 5, 2026 update) · New England State Veterinarians (VT: Dr. Kaitlynn Levine), 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 (VT: Dr. Kaitlynn Levine) · portal.ct.gov · Avian Influenza (HPAI) Notices, Avian species

How to reportReporting sick birds

VAAFM asks keepers to report sick birds or unusual deaths to the State Veterinarian's Office ((802) 828-2421) or USDA (1-866-536-7593)

No end date in the source

Statewide · Birds: domestic birds

VAAFM also asks owners to get a federal premises ID through the same office

Guidance: Avian Influenza Preparedness · VAAFM

What the guidance says (1 passage)

“All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, are encouraged to practice good biosecurity, prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, and to report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture at (802)828-2421 or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593.”
VAAFM · agriculture.vermont.gov · closing paragraph

Bringing birds or hatching eggs into Vermont

Poultry entering Vermont need an import permit and a CVI or NPIP certificate dated within 30 days. Breeding and laying birds 5 months or older (not waterfowl) need PT clean origin or a 30-day PT test; younger birds and hatching eggs must come from PT clean hatcheries. The commissioner may add an AI requirement when AI threatens. Under the 2026 NWS emergency rule, birds from a state with a screwworm zone need a 5-day CVI with an NWS-free statement (chicks up to 3 days and hatching eggs exempt from examination). Show birds need a 12-month PT certificate.

What the entry rules say

“Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or a National Poultry Improvement Plan Certificate with the flock approval number dated within 30 days prior to the date of importation .”
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets · agriculture.vermont.gov · Section I: Poultry, required documentation

Standing ruleBringing birds in

Poultry entering Vermont need an import permit and a CVI or NPIP certificate dated within 30 days, with pullorum-typhoid clean origin or a 30-day test for breeding and laying birds 5 months or older (VAAFM's posted copy

Currency on the official code unconfirmed)

In effect from December 8, 1998 · No end date in the source

Statewide · entry into Vermont · Birds: poultry (all domesticated birds used as food or producing eggs for food) and hatching eggs

Import permit plus a CVI or NPIP certificate with the flock approval number, dated within 30 days before import
Birds 5 months or older for breeding or egg production (not waterfowl): PT clean flock or a negative PT test within 30 days
Under 5 months and hatching eggs: from a supervised hatchery or premises rated PT clean or better
When AI threatens Vermont, the commissioner may require AI-free flock origin or a negative AI blood test within 365 days (no such requirement found in force)

Rule: Rules Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals, Including Livestock and Poultry (Rule # 98074, effective 12/8/98), as posted by VAAFM · Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, December 8, 1998

What the rule says (2 passages)

“All poultry, except waterfowl, 5 months or more of age, imported for purposes of breeding or egg production, must originate from a Pullorum-Typhoid clean flock or test negative to an agglutination test for Pullorum-Typhoid disease within 30 days immediately prior to the date of entry into Vermont.”
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets · agriculture.vermont.gov · Section I: Poultry, 1
“When there is a threat of Avian Influenza entering Vermont, the commissioner may require that all poultry entering the state under Sections 1 and 2 must be from flocks tested free of Avian Influenza”
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets · agriculture.vermont.gov · Section I: Poultry, 3

Other disease entry orders

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

May applyBringing birds in

New World screwworm emergency rule (posted June 29, 2026): poultry from a state with a screwworm infested or surveillance zone need a CVI issued within 5 days stating each bird was inspected and found free of wounds and screwworm

In effect from June 29, 2026 · No end date in the source

Statewide · domestic animals entering Vermont from states with an NWS infested or adjacent surveillance zone · Birds: domestic animals incl. poultry, psittacine birds and ratites; hatching eggs and birds up to 3 days old exempt from examination and treatment

From a state containing an infested or adjacent surveillance zone: CVI (or official freedom document) within 5 days with an individual-inspection statement
From or through an infested zone: examined NWS-free and treated with an approved systemic NWS product before entry, details on the CVI
None from an NWS-quarantined or suspect premises until the State Animal Health Official clears it
Hatching eggs and birds up to 3 days old: exempt from examination and treatment; may ship on a CVI or 9-3

Rule: State Entry and Movement Restrictions Related to New World Screwworm (NWS) (emergency rule) · Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, June 29, 2026

What the rule says (3 passages)

““Animal” or “domestic animal” means cattle, sheep, goats, equines, domestic deer, American bison, swine, poultry, psittacine birds, domestic ferrets, camelids, ratites”
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets · agriculture.vermont.gov · Section III(4)
“Shipment of hatching eggs and birds up to 3 days of age are exempt from the examination and treatment requirements and may be shipped using a CVI or 9-3 form.”
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets · agriculture.vermont.gov · Section IV(h)
“Monday, June 29, 2026 - 12:00”
Vermont Agency of Agriculture · agriculture.vermont.gov · document date

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

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), Animal Health Section (State Veterinarian)

(802) 828-2421 (State Veterinarian's Office); USDA 1-866-536-7593

The agency's bird flu page

“All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, are encouraged to practice good biosecurity, prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, and to report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture at (802)828-2421 or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593.”
VAAFM · agriculture.vermont.gov · closing paragraph

Recent detections in Vermont

USDA APHIS lists no confirmed bird-flu detections in Vermont flocks in the 30 days to October 14, 2026. Latest detection in the APHIS data: October 9, 2026. The national picture

History

Orders that have ended or been lifted, kept so you can see what changed.

ExpiredShows and fairs

2025 season: no waterfowl could be shown or exhibited at Vermont fairs, regardless of origin (ended with the 2025 fair season

For 2026 VAAFM says waterfowl may be shown with caution)

Ended

Statewide · Vermont fairs, 2025 season · Birds: waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans)

Term: the '2025 Vermont fair season'; no end date printed

Notice: Fairs, Shows, and Exhibitions: Poultry Exhibit Information · VAAFM Animal Health Section

What the notice says (1 passage)

“Given the continued high risk of Avian Influenza to poultry and livestock, no waterfowl (such as ducks, geese, or swans) may be shown or exhibited during the 2025 Vermont fair season, regardless of origin.”
VAAFM Animal Health Section · agriculture.vermont.gov · Poultry Exhibit Information

Common questions

Is there a bird flu order in Vermont right now?: We found no bird-flu order covering Vermont 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 Vermont?: We found no bird-flu ban on shows or sales in force on October 15, 2026. Standing rules apply: Fowl may be exhibited at any fair, show, meet or swap only with a certificate of health showing a negative pullorum-typhoid test, or a PT clean or passed flock, within the past 12 months (VAAFM's posted copy; currency on the official code unconfirmed); Advisory.
What do I need to bring chickens or hatching eggs into Vermont?: Poultry entering Vermont need an import permit and a CVI or NPIP certificate dated within 30 days. Breeding and laying birds 5 months or older (not waterfowl) need PT clean origin or a 30-day PT test; younger birds and hatching eggs must come from PT clean hatcheries. The commissioner may add an AI requirement when AI threatens. Under the 2026 NWS emergency rule, birds from a state with a screwworm zone need a 5-day CVI with an NWS-free statement (chicks up to 3 days and hatching eggs exempt from examination). Show birds need a 12-month PT certificate.
Who do I call about sick or dead birds in Vermont?: Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), Animal Health Section (State Veterinarian) at (802) 828-2421 (State Veterinarian's Office); USDA 1-866-536-7593. 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 Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), Animal Health Section (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

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), Animal Health Section (State Veterinarian): bird flu page. Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), Animal Health Section (State Veterinarian).
State Entry and Movement Restrictions Related to New World Screwworm (NWS) (emergency rule). Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. June 29, 2026.
Fairs, Shows, and Exhibitions: Poultry Exhibit Information. VAAFM Animal Health Section.
Vermont Administrative Code 2-4-309:F6.114, Exhibition of Domestic Fowl. VAAFM Animal Health Section.
Rules Governing the Importation of Domestic Animals, Including Livestock and Poultry (Rule # 98074, effective 12/8/98), as posted by VAAFM. Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. December 8, 1998.
Memorandum: 2026 New England Fairs and Shows (May 5, 2026 update). New England State Veterinarians (VT: Dr. Kaitlynn Levine). May 5, 2026.
Avian Influenza Preparedness. VAAFM.
document date. Vermont Agency of Agriculture.
last Vermont 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

The '2025 Vermont fair season' waterfowl ban is recorded as expired from its own term. VAAFM's fairs page wasn't updated for 2026, but its home page says waterfowl 'may be shown with caution'. No 2026 waterfowl ban was found.
VAAFM's AI page recommends against competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps and other gatherings of domestic fowl. The statement is undated, sits under a January 28, 2025 case notice, and refers to spring migration. It isn't recorded as a current measure because the 2026 home-page notice is more permissive.
The import rule (# 98074, effective 12/8/98) was read from VAAFM's posted copy. Currency in the Code of Vermont Rules (Secretary of State) wasn't checked.
NWS emergency rule: its adoption date isn't printed (VAAFM's document page is dated June 29, 2026). Vermont emergency rules are believed to be time-limited by statute (unverified: no statute saved), and the expiry wasn't confirmed, so endsOn is null. Re-check in late 2026.
Nature: the NWS emergency rule and the expired 2025 waterfowl ban are 'order' rows. The rest are standing rules; the New England advisory is classed standing_rule so it can't trigger an alert.
vt-2026-nws-entry-1: The rule says it takes effect on adoption; VAAFM's document page is dated June 29, 2026. No end date is printed
vt-2025-waterfowl-show-ban-1: VAAFM's fairs page still shows the 2025 statement. Its Animal Health home page now says waterfowl may be shown with caution (status note)
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'.

Next door

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