News

First HPAI case confirmed in Indiana since Sept. 1

A commercial turkey flock has tested presumptive-positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza in Daviess County, Indiana.

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health says until now, the last confirmed positive case in the state was Sept. 1, when a small non-commercial flock in Elkhart County tested positive for HPAI.  

Samples from the flock of more than 11,000 birds will be tested at the national USDA laboratory in Iowa for confirmation.

A six-mile control area and surveillance zone have been established. BOAH staff will be reaching out to flock owners in the surveillance zone to offer testing.  

BOAH is encouraging community members affected by this animal health emergency to be aware of the possible impact on their mental health and seek assistance if needed. Available resources include: 

• Be Well Indiana is a free, confidential resource available 24/7 to anyone in the state of Indiana. Call 2-1-1 and enter your ZIP code. Follow the prompts and select number 3 for the Be Well Crisis Helpline.  
• Farm Aid connects farmers with services, resources and opportunities specific to their individual needs. Call the Farmer Hotline at 1-800-FARM-AID, or 1-800-327-6243, for immediate assistance Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern time.   
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Dial 9-8-8 or call 1-800-273-TALK, 1-800-273-8255.

Producers who notice signs of HPAI should call the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline at 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a federal or state veterinarian in Indiana for case assessment.

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk. Poultry and eggs are safe to eat.