Last Modified: January 20, 2026

The Defend the Flock Resource Center brings together biosecurity information and free resources from USDA and other experts, including growers, veterinarians, State agencies, scientists, and industry professionals. All the information you need to practice good biosecurity is available here, including checklists, resource guides, videos, and more.

Upcoming Events

Double Down on Biosecurity: Preventing Bird Flu in Poultry

Date

Friday, January 30, 2026

Time

2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST

Details

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a serious threat. In this webinar, USDA APHIS experts discuss the best ways to protect the health of your poultry and benefits of biosecurity assessments.

Register
Schedule a Free Biosecurity Assessment Today

USDA offers two free, voluntary assessments for poultry operations with 500+ birds. We identify simple, practical steps you can take right away to strengthen biosecurity at your facility. We also cover up to 75 percent of the costs to fix the highest-risk biosecurity gaps identified. 

Even small changes can make a big difference in keeping your birds healthy. Learn more and schedule your assessment today.

Get Started!
farmer in boots with brown chickens

Become a Flock Defender!

Browse materials by topic below and spread the word to help us protect all flocks:

Expand All

USDA offers two free biosecurity assessments for commercial poultry operations, and producers may request one or both. During an on-farm visit, USDA-trained staff will identify actionable steps and repairs you can implement right away to strengthen your operation’s defenses against HPAI. 

Learn more about USDA’s biosecurity assessments, including eligibility, how to request an assessment, cost-sharing opportunities, and additional resources. 

Types

  1. Wildlife Biosecurity Assessment: Identify wildlife-related risks and receive recommendations for facility repairs and wildlife-management improvements through a series of regular engagements between APHIS Wildlife Services staff and facility owners or managers.
  2. Biosecurity Incentive-Focused Assessment: Review your biosecurity plan and on-farm practices to help prevent disease from entering your operation in collaboration with APHIS Veterinary Services. 

Visit Biosecurity Assessments

Download Factsheet: Helping Producers Prevent HPAI in Commercial Poultry Flocks 

Eligibility

Both assessments are open to commercial poultry producers not currently affected by HPAI. 

Cost-Sharing

USDA will share up to 75 percent of the costs to fix the highest-risk biosecurity concerns identified by the assessments.

Our reimbursement process is now faster and more transparent. Completing these assessments does not affect indemnity eligibility if a flock becomes infected.

Visit Indemnity and Compensation

Request an Assessment Today

To request one or both of the assessments described above, email poultry.biosecurity@usda.gov or call 844-820-2234. 

These checklists will help you practice good biosecurity—every day, every time.

Download the full suite of checklists available in each language:

Browse the checklists by topic and language:

Archived Videos

Download social media graphics and animated GIFs below. Stay up to date on biosecurity and follow the Defend the Flock campaign on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

Graphics

Animated GIFs

From Backyard To Barnyard: Biosecurity for Poultry on a Multi-Species Farm  (April 2025)

Webinar Transcript:

Biosecurity on a Budget: Pro Tips to Protect Your Poultry (March 2024)

Webinar Transcript:

Navigating Avian Influenza: Your Questions Answered (February 2023)

Webinar Transcript:

Navigating Avian Influenza: From Prevention to Recovery (September 2022)

Webinar Transcript:

Defend the Flock: Healthy Flocks, Healthy Families (March 2022)

Webinar Transcript:

Defend the Flock: Preventing Avian Influenza Introductions—Focus on the Big Risks (September 2021)

Webinar Transcript:

Defend the Flock: How Avian Influenza Affects Us All (February 2021)

Webinar Transcript:

Defend the Flock, Controlling Salmonella in Commercial Poultry Through Biosecurity (October 2020)

Webinar Transcript:

Defend Your Flock From Poultry Disease: Know the Signs and How To Respond (February 2020)

Webinar Transcript:

Steps for Success: Your NPIP Biosecurity Audit (November 2019)

Webinar Transcript:

Biosecurity Basics and Beyond: Tools To Defend Your Flock (April 2019)

Webinar Transcript:

Let's Keep Our Poultry Healthy Together (November 2018)

Webinar Transcript:

Download graphics and educational information and become a Flock Defender.

Manage Wildlife To Prevent Avian Influenza  (200.66 KB)

Prevent Avian Influenza at Your Farm: Improve Your Biosecurity with Simple Wildlife Practices (765.65 KB)

Improving Biosecurity with Wildlife Management Practices: Preventing Access to Barns and Other Facilities (1 MB)

Improving Biosecurity with Wildlife Management Practices: Reducing Water Access (1.34 MB)

Improving Biosecurity with Wildlife Management Practices: Protecting Food Resources (1.2 MB)

National Poultry Improvement Plan

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Turkey Federation

National Chicken Council 

United Egg Producers

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association

All in or all gone. Protect your farm. Protect your livelihood

California Department of Food and Agriculture – Biosecurity Risk Assessment Tool

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health

Browse additional resources to help you care for your flocks.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Learn what the CDC is doing to help people protect themselves against AI.

PandemicFlu.gov
The official government website for information on pandemic flu and avian flu.

United States Geologic Survey (USGS)
The National Wildlife Health Center at USGS has an avian influenza site with maps, news updates, and factsheets focusing on wild birds.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
CBP is responsible for keeping America's borders safe and secure. It works to keep illegal material (including birds and poultry) or individuals from entering the United States, while also facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. See travel tips on bringing items into the United States.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Find your nearest Cooperative Extension Office through this comprehensive and user-friendly directory developed by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Extension Disaster Education Network
The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) links Extension educators from across the United States and various disciplines, enabling them to use and share resources to reduce the impact of disasters.

Diagnostic Laboratories
APHIS has developed a list of diagnostic labs that deal with poultry. This list includes contact information for labs in several states.

State Veterinarians
The United States Animal Health Association has compiled a comprehensive list of State Veterinarians organized by State. The list includes contact information.

State Departments of Agriculture
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) maintains an online directory of all State departments of agriculture.

Defend the Flock: Your Biosecurity Bulletin

2025

Fall (1.51 MB)

Spring (1.04 MB)

2024
Fall (812.03 KB)

Spring (1.02 MB)

2023
Summer (1.04 MB)

2022
Fall/Winter (199.81 KB) | Winter (622.74 KB)

2021
Summer (556.61 KB)

2020
Winter (970.44 KB) | Summer (771.58 KB)

2019
Winter (752 KB) | Summer (1.08 MB)

Follow Defend the Flock