Indiana’s animal health officials have confirmed the resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial flock, marking the state’s first cases since May 5, 2023.
A commercial turkey farm in Davies County has tested positive for the lethal virus as of January 23, leading to the immediate implementation of significant control measures. The affected flock, consisting of 13,071 birds, is now under quarantine, while a 10km control area has been established, encompassing 45 commercial flocks. Furthermore, 48 hobby/backyard flocks within the county are also subject to these stringent measures.
To contain the spread, a 20km surveillance zone has been enacted in parts of Daviess, Greene, and Martin Counties. This surveillance zone extends to cover 56 commercial flocks within the three counties.
Reflecting on Indiana’s recent history with HPAI, the last confirmed case in a commercial flock was reported in December 2022, impacting 11,400 turkeys in Daviess County. Since February 2022, Indiana has reported a total of 11 HPAI infections in commercial poultry flocks and six small/hobby flocks across seven counties.
On a national scale, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed HPAI cases in 34 commercial and backyard flocks within the past 30 days, affecting a substantial 4.51 million birds. While there appears to be a slowdown in the pace of new outbreaks, the recent cases underscore the ongoing concern and the necessity for continued vigilance to prevent further spread.
The resurgence of avian influenza in Indiana serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat to both commercial and backyard poultry operations, necessitating heightened monitoring and decisive action to mitigate the impact on the industry.
