Southern Indiana Business Report
GREENE COUNTY — After more than 50,000 turkeys were euthanized in Dubois County due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at two farms, Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH) personnel have now confirmed the disease in a Greene County flock and are investigating its possible presence on a second Greene County farm.
BOAH reported Feb. 19 that the second Greene County farm is considered a presumptive-positive case pending verification from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa. Depopulation efforts are already underway on the farm’s 15,200 birds to prevent the spread of the disease in the area.
Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of HPAI at the first Greene County farm on Feb. 17, and 48,000 turkeys were depopulated. In addition, a 10-kilometer control area was established around the site for testing of neighboring farms. However, since the second site is outside that perimeter, BOAH has established another 10-kilometer perimeter around it to quarantine and test commercial poultry on 13 nearby farms.
Earlier cases in Dubois County
The response in Greene County followed announcements of HPAI being confirmed on a Dubois County farm Feb. 9 and a second Dubois County farm Feb. 15. BOAH depopulated 29,000 turkeys on the first farm and 26,473 turkeys at the second site.
The Feb. 9 confirmed case in Dubois County is the first report of HPAI in commercial poultry in the United States since 2020 and the first in Indiana since 2016. (The 2016 instance also happened in Dubois County.)
Ongoing efforts in both counties
BOAH staff continues to reach out to known hobby/backyard poultry owners in the control areas in Greene and Dubois counties to schedule testing of birds to ensure the virus is not present. To date, 32 hobby flocks have been sampled; laboratory testing determined them as negative. Hobby poultry owners in both areas should contact BOAH at 317-544-2387 to schedule testing at no charge. In addition, USDA-Wildlife Services staff in Indiana is beginning wild bird surveillance efforts in the area.
Food safety
Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat. Officials are not aware of any public health significance with this virus. No cases of human infection have been reported. Human health agencies will be monitoring workers and others in contact with birds to monitor for influenza-like illness.
Animal health
Hobby 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 at 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for a case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.
Signs include sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea. A resource for backyard bird health information is available online at www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources.
Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted online at https://www.in.gov/boah/species-information/avianbirds/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza/. Users may subscribe to email and/or text updates on a subscribe link at that page.
Mental health
Community members who are affected by this animal health emergency are urged be aware of the possible impact on their mental health and to seek assistance if needed. Available resources include:
• Be Well Indiana. Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious or alone? Call this free, confidential resource that’s available 24/7 to anyone in the state of Indiana. Call 2-1-1 and enter your ZIP code. Follow the prompts and select number 3 for the Be Well Crisis Helpline.
• Farm Aid: This organization connects farmers with helpful services, resources and opportunities specific to their individual needs. Call the Farmer Hotline for immediate assistance Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. EST. Call 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243).
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Dial 9-8-8 or call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
About Indiana poultry production
Indiana is a leading producer of poultry, eggs and poultry products. Nationally, Indiana ranks first in ducks, second in layer chickens and table eggs, and third in turkeys. The state is also a major producer of broilers. Dubois County is Indiana’s leading turkey-producing county.