By Andi Anderson
Indiana has officially been declared free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, across its poultry farms.
The announcement came following confirmation by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), which requires that infected sites remain clear of the virus for at least 28 days without new cases.
Denise Derrer-Spears from the Indiana State Board of Animal Health explained that this status does not mean the virus has vanished completely. “We've achieved that now, and again, that doesn't mean the virus is gone, but we've at least achieved that within the domestic poultry sector,” she said.
This declaration is good news for Indiana’s poultry industry. It helps lift export restrictions and reduces international trade barriers, creating new opportunities for poultry producers in the state.
However, HPAI still circulates in the wild. Ducks, geese, swans, and even birds of prey like eagles and hawks continue to carry the virus. Spears noted that recent cases have still been detected in other states, meaning the risk hasn’t completely passed.
Since 2022, over 8.5 million birds from 34 commercial flocks in Indiana were lost due to bird flu outbreaks. The virus spreads quickly and can be deadly to poultry, making it essential for farmers to continue practicing biosecurity and monitoring their flocks.
Authorities are urging farmers not to let down their guard. Continued prevention efforts are crucial to keeping the virus from returning to domestic poultry.
With vigilance and proper care, Indiana aims to maintain its bird flu-free status and protect the health of its flocks moving forward.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski
Categories: Indiana, Livestock, Poultry