News

Avian Influenza found in commercial duck flock in Indiana

A commercial duck flock in northern Indiana has tested presumptive-positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The flock has about 4,000 ducks and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health says it’s notifying owners of the nearly 80 commercial flocks in the six-mile control area.

State officials say testing will take place until restrictions are lifted and an additional six-mile surveillance zone will be established.

Indiana is a leading producer of poultry, eggs and poultry products. Nationally, Indiana ranks number one in ducks, second in layer chickens and table eggs, and third in turkeys.

Seven premises in three counties in Indiana have tested positive for HPAI. A control area in Dubois County and Greene County have been lifted. So far, more than 171,000 commercial turkeys have been affected in the state.

Hobby poultry owners in Elkhart County should contact BOAH at 317-544-2387 to schedule complimentary testing.

USDA Wildlife Services is helping with surveillance of wild birds in and near control areas. Samples of waterfowl, pigeons, European starlings, and other species have been submitted. Results are pending for more than 200 samples collected.