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New HPAI cases in Mercer County detected, including first human in Ohio

Forty commercial poultry flocks in Mercer County, Ohio have been impacted by highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2025.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says the virus was recently detected in another commercial egg layer facility in Mercer County. More than 125,000 birds will be depopulated. Earlier this month, HPAI was found in three more commercial egg layer operations impacting more than 615,000 birds. Birds on affected flocks are depopulated to control the spread of the virus.  

The Ohio Department of Health says the first probable case of the virus was detected in an adult male farm worker from Mercer County. OHS officials say the person had exposure to an infeted commercial flock. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk to the public is low. The Ohio Department of Agriculture says the best way to prevent the virus is to avoid direct contact with sick or dead poultry or wild birds.

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk. 

More than 10 million birds have been lost due to avian influenza in Ohio since late December of 2024.

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