HPAI hits Indiana again, this time in Kosciusko County

More than 23,000 birds will be depopulated, and an approximately 6.2-mile control area with a more than 12-mile surveillance zone in portions of Kosciusko, Fulton, and Marshall counties has been established. 

Another case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in Indiana. 

The state board of animal health says HPAI was found in a commercial table egg pullet facility in Kosciusko County.

Denise Derrer Spears says additional cases could impact efforts to rebuild the state’s poultry sector.

“The illness is quick and severe and just within a couple of days, even in a fairly large operation, the disease can spread throughout andy be devastating on a population in that flock,” she says.

More than 23,000 birds will be depopulated, and an approximately 6.2-mile control area with a more than 12-mile surveillance zone in portions of Kosciusko, Fulton, and Marshall counties has been established. 

She tells Brownfield progress is being made.

“We had a lot of farms, just a month ago, that were under a control area of restrictions because of how close they are to the Ohio state line,” she says. “Now, we’re down to just one control area that’s filling over into Indiana. That’s significant progress as well.”

Indiana is a leading producer of poultry, eggs, and poultry products. It ranks first in duck production, third in eggs, third in commercial turkey production, and produces a significant number of broilers.

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk.

BOAH also reminds dairy producers to be vigilant in their surveillance. According to rules established by the USDA, lactating dairy cattle must have a negative test before interstate movement.  The department has also expanded surveillance through testing milk at the farm or processor level to establish the health status of herds, as well as states.