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BOAH reminds producers to stay vigilant as HPAI returns to Indiana

The public information director for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health says producers should stay vigilant as new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza are detected.

Denise Derrer Spears says five incidents of the virus have been confirmed in the past week.

“This finding has not been unexpected,” she says. “The risk goes up during the spring and fall migration season of wild birds, which is what we’re seeing now. As they travel and they land on farms, it’s easy for them to spread the virus.”

She tells Brownfield producers should limit the contact poultry have with wild birds.

“If you have ponds or open waterways nearby that tends to attract wild birds, that’s going to bring them into that environment. Try to limit that through fencing, netting, enclosures, and bringing your poultry in.”

Derrer Spears says biosecurity is paramount as cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza are on the rise.

More than 22,000 birds have been impacted since October 9th.

Indiana is a leading producer of poultry, eggs, and poultry products. It ranks first in duck production, third in eggs, third in commercial turkey production, and produces a significant number of broilers.

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk.

BOAH also reminds dairy producers to be vigilant in their surveillance. According to rules established by the USDA, lactating dairy cattle must have a negative test before interstate movement.  The department has also expanded surveillance through testing milk at the farm or processor level to establish the health status of herds, as well as states.

AUDIO: Denise Derrer Spears, Indiana State Board of Animal Health