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Nine more cases of avian influenza diagnosed in Indiana

Top Story IconNine more turkey farms in southwest Indiana have tested positive for avian influenza, bringing the total to 10 commercial turkey operations.  Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) says testing has indicated eight of the nine cases are low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI). According to BOAH low pathogenic avian influenza virus strains occur naturally in wild migratory waterfowl and shorebirds without causing illness. LPAI viruses have the potential to mutate into HPAI. State veterinarian Dr. Bret Marsh says the finding will not altar the control strategy BOAH has put in place.

BOAH says all of the positive flocks are located within the original control area and were identified by surveillance testing.  New control areas have been drawn and the new area extends beyond Dubois County into Martin, Orange, Crawford, and Davies counties.

Poultry flocks in the area are being tested daily for the virus and state and federal agencies are working with poultry operations to minimize its impact.

All of the infected flocks are located in Dubois County, Indiana.

Backyard 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).

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk of illness to humans to be very low.

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