By Andi Anderson
Avian flu continues to spread across the Midwest, with new cases detected on several commercial poultry farms in Indiana. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed seven additional outbreaks on poultry farms this week, including three in LaGrange County, Indiana.
LaGrange County, which has faced six major detections since late October, is now dealing with infections at two commercial duck meat farms housing 8,400 and 8,300 birds each.
Another commercial table egg-layer facility with 18,300 chickens has also been impacted. Officials have placed all affected premises under quarantine to prevent further transmission.
Beyond Indiana, APHIS also reported a new detection in Allegan County, Michigan, where a commercial turkey meat farm with 35,600 birds tested positive for the virus. Backyard flocks in California, Oregon, and Virginia were also confirmed to be infected.
Over the past 30 days, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in 31 commercial flocks and 31 backyard flocks across the United States. States with the highest activity include Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota. In total, more than 1.65 million birds have been affected nationwide during this period.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, as avian flu remains a major concern for both commercial producers and small flock owners. The virus spreads quickly through contact with infected birds, contaminated equipment, or wild migratory species.
Federal and state agencies continue to emphasize strict biosecurity measures, urging poultry farmers to limit farm visitors, clean equipment regularly, and report any sudden illness or death among birds to local veterinarians.
The growing number of outbreaks highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting the poultry industry from this highly contagious disease.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski
Categories: Indiana, Livestock, Poultry