BACKGROUND The H5N1 influenza virus has continued to be active throughout parts of the United States. HPAI has been identified on more than 2000 premises in all 50 states since February 2022. Wild birds infected with HPAI have been found from coast to coast in various species, including waterfowl (ducks, swans, geese, gulls, etc.), raptors (hawks and eagles), as well as other common species (American robin, common raven, wild turkey). Many other mammalian species, including humans, dairy cattle and wildlife, have also been diagnosed with the virus.
The current, ongoing HPAI event is the United States’ largest animal health emergency in history.
RESPONSE 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 avian influenza surveillance program in the world, and USDA is actively working with its partners to look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.
NON-COMMERCIAL FLOCK SURVEILLANCE: Testing of nearby flocks is important to verify the virus has not spread in the area. BOAH staff will be reaching out to flock owners within surveillance zones to offer testing.
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. Detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds can be found online HERE.
DAIRY FARM SURVEILLANCE: Indiana Grade A dairy farms in control areas will be tested for HPAI. Lactating dairy cattle must have a negative test before interstate movement under a federal order. USDA has expanded surveillance through testing milk at the farm or processor level to establish the health status of herds, as well as states. |
PUBLIC ADVISORIES Food Safety
Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; cooked poultry and eggs and pasteurized dairy products are safe to eat.
Animal Health
Hobby poultry owners are encouraged to be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline: 866-536-7593.Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for a case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.
Signs include: sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea. A great resource for backyard bird health information is online at: www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources .
Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted online at: https://www.in.gov/boah/species-information/avianbirds/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza/ . Users may subscribe to email and/or text updates on a subscribe link at that page.
Wild Bird Health
More information about avian influenza and wild birds: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/wildlife-diseases-in-indiana/avian-flu-bird-flu/
Human Health
Recent detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 viruses (H5N1 bird flu) in wild birds and poultry pose a low risk to the health of the general public. Human infections are most likely to be rare and happen in people with recreational or occupational exposures involving prolonged, unprotected close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and local health departments (LHD) monitor people who have been exposed to test-positive animals for signs of influenza-like illness. To date, none have had evidence of infection or illness associated with AI virus.
IDOH offers the following guidance documents for poultry growers and emergency responders to protect their health:Mental Health
Community members who are affected by this animal health emergency should be aware of the possible impact on their mental health and seek assistance if needed. Available resources include:Be Well Indiana: Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious or alone? Call this free, confidential resource available 24/7 to anyone in the state of Indiana. - Call 2-1-1 and enter your ZIP code.
- Follow the prompts and select number 3 for the Be Well Crisis Helpline.
Farm Aid: This organization connects farmers with helpful services, resources and opportunities specific to their individual needs. Call the Farmer Hotline for immediate assistance Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time. - Call 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243).
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. - Dial 9-8-8 or call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
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ABOUT INDIANA POULTRY PRODUCTIONIndiana is a leading producer of poultry, eggs and poultry products. Nationally, Indiana ranks number 1 in production of ducks, third in eggs, third in turkey production, and is a significant producer of broilers. |
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