The Impact of HPAI on Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch: A Story of Resilience and Recovery

Herb Herbruck, president of Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, recalls a difficult chapter in the company’s history — a chapter marked by tragedy and an unwavering commitment to poultry welfare. The outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in 2024 forced the company to confront its motto: “serve the bird.”

The Attack of HPAI

On Easter Sunday 2024, HPAI made its way into Herbruck’s Green Meadow Organics facility in Michigan, leading to the harrowing decision to quarantine and depopulate infected flocks. Despite their proactive measures, the virus spread to several facilities nearby, culminating in the distressing euthanasia of nearly 6.5 million birds.

A Painful Responsibility

“It was a devastating thing,” Herb shares, emphasizing the emotional toll on his team. HPAI is a highly contagious virus that poses a significant threat to poultry, transmitted through various means including wild birds and contaminated equipment.

The Road to Recovery

After the outbreak, Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch turned its focus to extensive cleaning efforts and repopulating its flocks. By June 2025, they successfully restored their bird population to pre-HPAI levels, largely thanks to their pullet farms which had managed to remain safe from the outbreak.

“The fact that we didn’t lose any pullets really helped the repopulation of our farms,” Herb noted. These specialized facilities provide crucial young birds ready for production, highlighting their importance in the operation’s recovery.

Safety Measures and Biosecurity Protocols

In the wake of the outbreak, maintaining rigorous biosecurity has become more critical than ever. Implementing strict cleaning protocols and separating farm operations is essential, as pointed out by industry experts like Dr. Nancy Barr from the Michigan Allied Poultries Industries. The organization emphasizes continuous learning and adaptation to combat the ever-present risk of HPAI infection.

The Call for a Vaccine

Both Herb Herbruck and key stakeholders advocate for the need for an HPAI vaccine to safeguard the flock. A vaccine developed by Zoetis received conditional approval from the USDA in early 2025, yet it hasn’t become commercially available.

An Industry Under Threat

Since the outbreak began in February 2022, HPAI has affected more than 190 million birds nationwide, including a staggering 7.6 million in Michigan alone. With the arrival of migratory wild birds, the threat remains ever-present.

The Future of Poultry Farming

As farmers continue to navigate the challenges posed by HPAI, the industry’s resilience shines through. While they adapt to stringent biosecurity measures, there remains an urgent need for an effective vaccine to prevent further outbreaks and ensure long-term stability for poultry farmers across the nation.

In closing, the resilience demonstrated by Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch serves as a beacon of hope for an industry weathering the storm of HPAI, reaffirming the commitment to animal welfare amidst unprecedented challenges.

READ NEXT: SLOTKIN, OTHER US SENATORS URGE QUICK ACTION, SCIENCE IN AVIAN FLU VACCINE STRATEGY

For More Information

Learn more about biosecurity measures and advice for poultry farmers by visiting the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.