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HPAI returns to Indiana: More than 24,000 birds depopulated in Jay County

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

Denise Derrer Spears says it’s not completely unexpected.

“The wild bird migration is in full swing,” he says. “It’s a little early for the water foul migration, but we know that it’s out there in the environment in Indiana. It’s probably just going to get worse throughout the fall.”

This is the first confirmed case in the state since May.

The latest detection was found on a commercial meat duck operation in Jay County. More than 24,000 birds have been depopulated, and an approximately 6.2-mile control area with a more than 12-mile surveillance zone in portions of Jay, Adams, and Wells counties has been established. 

She tells Brownfield the department continues to work with producers to help prevent the spread of HPAI.

“We are working with our farmers very closely through all of the quarentine and the depopulation that has to happen,” she says. “We have to make sure that the producers that are located within the surveillance zone are notified as well.”

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.

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