Avian flu hits Indiana flocks

INDIANAPOLIS — The highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in Jay, Allen, Adams, Jackson, Shelby and Randolph counties, with emerging cases in other counties, affecting more than 400,000 birds so far.

HPAI is a highly infectious and fatal form of avian influenza that can strike poultry without warning, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The flu has been identified on more than 1,300 premises in all 50 states since February 2022.

Signs of HPAI in poultry include:

• Sudden death in birds without warning.

• Lack of energy and appetite.

• Decreased egg production, including soft-shelled or misshapen eggs.

• Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks.

• Purple discoloration of combs, wattles and legs.

• Nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing.

• Incoordination and diarrhea.

If you notice any of these signs in your flock, immediately contact APHIS at 866-536-7593 for assistance and further steps.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/Defend-the-Flock for more information.

Biosecurity Measures

To minimize the risk of HPAI, the USDA advises:

• Limit exposure to wild birds — Prevent your poultry from coming into contact with wild or migratory birds, especially waterfowl. Avoid water sources that may be contaminated.

• Control access to your farm — Permit only essential workers and vehicles on your farm. Clean and disinfect all equipment and vehicles entering or leaving your premises, including tires and undercarriages.

• Practice all-in, all-out management — Adhere to a strict all-in, all-out philosophy to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between different flocks.

• Limit equipment sharing — Avoid lending or borrowing equipment from other farms. If visiting other poultry operations, change clothing and footwear before working with your own flock.

• Maintain clean facilities — Keep your barn, equipment and vehicles clean and disinfected. This is especially important for vehicles used to transport birds.

• At live-bird markets — Follow heightened biosecurity measures in live-bird markets, including using plastic crates for easier cleaning, disinfecting all equipment and keeping incoming poultry separate from unsold birds.

• Report suspicious illnesses.