On June 2, birds from a small flock in Allen County tested presumptive-positive for the H5 avian influenza virus at the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL). Samples were forwarded to the national USDA laboratory for confirmatory testing, with results expected within the next few days. The small flock (Allen2) was reported to the Healthy Birds Hotline by the owner, who noticed unexplained death of eight birds in less than 24 hours.
While Allen2 is comprised of approximately 100 birds of mixed species maintained at a residence, the flock is classified as a commercial poultry operation based upon the definition set forth by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH; formerly OIE). The owner supplies table eggs to some households.
A 10-km control area must be established around the flock and the associated protocols must be followed, including quarantines and permitted movements.
HOBBY/BACKYARD FLOCK SURVEILLANCE: Testing of nearby flocks is important to verifying the virus has not spread in the area. BOAH staff will be reaching out to poultry owners within the control area to schedule testing as part of required area surveillance.
WILD BIRD SURVEILLANCE: USDA Wildlife Services and Indiana Department of Natural Resources are assisting with surveillance of wild birds in and near the control areas. Nearly 300 samples from wild bird species have been tested. Positive test results have been identified in two bald eagles, two red-tailed hawks, a redhead duck, two great-horned owls, and a double-crested cormorant collected in Indiana.
PROGRESS REPORT: All but one of the quarantines on the first nine commercial farms in Indiana have been lifted. All nine flocks have completed required virus elimination activities and observed a fallow period. The farms are being cleared to restock at the owner's discretion once BOAH receives negative laboratory results for environmental testing.
The two non-poultry (backyard/hobby) flocks remain under quarantine until dates in September and October, after following 150-day fallow period.
While the HPAI situation in Indiana is winding down, owners of poultry flocks (large and small) are reminded to be vigilant in maintaining high levels of biosecurity and observing their birds for signs of illness. Nationally, the HPAI situation remains active with nearly 100 control areas still in effect. The virus has been identified on more than 350 premises in 36 states.
On Feb. 9, a confirmed case of H5N1 (with a Eurasian H5 goose/Guangdong lineage) highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was identified in a commercial flock in Dubois County with 29,000 turkeys (known as Dubois 1). This is the first report of HPAI in commercial poultry in the United States since 2020 and the first in Indiana since 2016. Quarantine was lifted.
On Feb., 15 laboratory testing of a?second?commercial flock of turkeys in Dubois County has identified the H5 avian influenza virus (known as Dubois2). Upon confirmation of HPAI, the?26,473?turkeys in the flock were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease in the area.? Quarantine was lifted.
On Feb. 17, laboratory testing of a commercial flock of turkeys in Greene County has identified the H5 avian influenza virus (known as Greene1). A total of 48,000 turkeys in the flock were depopulated.?? Quarantine was lifted.
On Feb. 18, laboratory testing identified H5 avian influenza (AI) in a commercial turkey flock in Greene County (known as Greene2). A total of 15,400 turkeys were depopulated. Quarantine was lifted.
On Feb. 22, laboratory testing identified H5 AI in commercial turkeys in Dubois County (Dubois3) about 2.5 miles west of Dubois1. H5N1 was subsequently confirmed by NVSL on Feb. 24. A total of 35,908 turkeys were depopulated. Quarantine was lifted.
On March 1, laboratory testing identified H5 AI in commercial turkeys in Dubois County (Dubois4) about 6/10-mile from Dubois1. Quarantine was lifted.
On April 7, a commercial duck flock in Elkhart County has tested presumptive-positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The flock, known as Elkhart 1, had 4,679 ducks. Quarantine was lifted.
On April 12, a second commercial duck flock in Elkhart County tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The flock, known as Elkhart2, had 6,379 ducks. Quarantine was lifted.
On April 18, a commercial duck flock in Elkhart County has tested presumptive-positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The flock, known as Elkhart3, has an estimated 6,500 ducks (more information to come as the situation develops). Control area was lifted on May 5; quarantine of site remains intact.
On April 25, a NON POULTRY flock in Johnson County has tested presumptive-positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This finding is notable as this is the first flock in Johnson County. The small hobby flock comprised of chickens, ducks and peafowl has been depopulated.
On May 19, a small NON POULTRY flock in Allen County (Allen1) was confirmed positive for H5N1. The flock is located in Allen County (referred to as Allen1). Nearly all of the flock had died, motivating the owner to call the Healthy Birds Hotline. Remaining birds in the flock were depopulated.
As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.
BOAH is working with multiple state and federal partners to respond to this event, including Indiana Department of Health, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and USDA Veterinary Services, Wildlife Services and Farm Service Agency.
Categories: Indiana, Livestock, Poultry