Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, is a contagious infection of poultry that’s once again spreading across the United States. Already this year, millions of birds in commercial flocks have died due to infection or close contact with infected birds. But backyard poultry are at risk, too.

Waterfowl spread HPAI through their droppings. They may not look sick but poultry — including chickens, ducks, geese and others — die quickly once infected. They may first show signs involving any part of the body — or no signs at all. Any abnormalities must be reported to a veterinarian right away so they can be reported to the state veterinarian.

There’s no treatment for HPAI, so prevention is vital. That means keeping poultry away from wild or infected birds, their droppings and people or equipment that have contacted either.