News

HPAI detected in a third commercial duck flock in Indiana

A third commercial duck flock has tested presumptive-positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza in Elkhart County, Indiana.

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) will establish a new six-mile control area because the flock of about 6,500 ducks is near another quarantined site.

The control area extends into LaGrange County and across the Michigan state line.

Indiana is a leading producer of poultry, eggs and poultry products. Nationally, Indiana ranks number 1 in ducks, second in layer chickens and table eggs, and third in turkeys.

Surveillance testing continues in the commercial flocks in Elkhart County. Hobby poultry owners in the area should contact the board at 317-544-2387. USDA Wildlife Services is assisting with surveillance of wild birds around the control areas. About 220 samples have been tested. Positive results have been identified in a bald eagle, a hawk, and a redhead duck.  

Nine premises in three counties in Indiana have tested positive for HPAI. So far, more than 171,000 commercial turkeys and more than 17,000 ducks have been affected in the state.

BOAH says 158 permits have been processed for movement of poultry or poultry products into, within, or out of the first two control areas in Elkhart County. The movements have involved 13 other states. Fifty-three permits were processed in the southern Indiana control areas.