Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in a commercial meat duck flock in Jay County, according to the Indiana State Board of Animal Health.
The affected flock, identified as Jay 14, includes approximately 24,330 ducks. The flock has been placed under quarantine as state and federal animal health officials respond to the detection.
A 10-kilometer control area is now active, covering portions of Jay, Adams and Wells counties. A 20-kilometer surveillance zone is also in place, covering portions of Jay, Adams, Blackford and Wells counties.
As part of the response, officials are increasing surveillance and testing of poultry and other susceptible animals in and around the affected area.
Surveillance Underway
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health says testing of nearby non-commercial poultry flocks will help determine whether the virus has spread beyond the affected premises. BOAH staff will contact flock owners within the surveillance zones to offer testing.
Wild bird surveillance is also underway. The USDA Wildlife Services and Indiana Department of Natural Resources are assisting with monitoring wild birds in and near the control areas.
HPAI has been detected in a variety of wild bird species across the country, including waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swans, as well as raptors and other common bird species.
Dairy Farms Also Being Monitored
Indiana Grade A dairy farms located within the control areas will also be tested for HPAI.
Under a federal order, lactating dairy cattle must have a negative HPAI test before they can move across state lines. USDA has also expanded surveillance by testing milk at the farm or processor level to help establish the health status of individual herds and states.
Ongoing National HPAI Response
The H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza has remained active in the United States since the current outbreak began in February 2022.
HPAI has been identified on more than 2,200 premises across all 50 states during that period. The virus has been detected in wild birds, poultry and a range of mammalian species, including dairy cattle, wildlife and humans.
State and federal agencies continue to coordinate surveillance and testing of commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and wild bird populations as part of the nation’s ongoing response.
For the latest information on Indiana detections, affected premises and response areas, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health’s HPAI dashboard provides updated information.
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