Indiana reports fifth case of avian influenza

A third case of avian influenza was reported in Dubois County, Indiana, on February 23. The commercial turkey flock of 35,908 has been depopulated, according to the state's Department of Agriculture.

A total of 154,781 turkeys across five operations have been depopulated due to avian influenza since February 8 in the state. Indiana is the No. 3 state for turkey production, and Dubois County is the state's No. 1 county for turkey production.

Avian influenza has also been reported in two operations in Greene County, and in both poultry and non-poultry flocks in Indiana, Virginia, Kentucky, New York, and Maine.

One of the most common ways for avian influenza to spread is from the droppings of wild fowl. The Indiana Department of Agriculture suggests farmers take measures like having a boot wash station or dedicated barn boots to avoid tracking manure into their barns or putting up nets to keep wild birds out.

Indiana officials encourage commercial farms to contact their veterinarian if they suspect a case of avian influenza. Hobby farms or those without a veterinarian are encouraged to contact the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline at 866‐536‐7593 to get in contact with a state or federal veterinarian.

Signs of avian influenza include: birds dying without clinical signs; lack of energy; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of the head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. The USDA has a resource with images to help identify discoloration and other clinical signs.

If farmers have a bird they believe has passed away because of avian influenza, state officials encourage them to double bag the bird and refrigerate to preserve it for testing.

Avian influenza is not a foodborne illness and does not pose a food-safety risk.