The Indiana State Board of Animal Health reports that a small flock in Posey County has tested presumptive-positive for the H5 avian influenza virus. The flock was reported to BOAH after significant death loss.
The tests were completed at the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory on Purdue’s campus. Samples are being forwarded to the national USDA laboratory for confirmatory testing, with results expected in the next few days.
Indiana achieved “free status” for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on April 19. This designation, as listed with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE), allows exports and international trade for Indiana poultry products to be restored. BOAH says that since this small flock is not engaged in commerce (selling birds or eggs), the finding does not negatively impact that status.
To date, Indiana has had ten commercial poultry flocks (ducks and turkeys) and six small/hobby flocks (mixed species) test positive for HPAI in seven counties. (One additional commercial turkey flock was depopulated as a “dangerous contact” to diagnosed flock.) All commercial sites have been cleared to restock at the owner’s discretion.
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: 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 great resource for backyard bird health information is online here.
Source: Indiana State Board of Animal Health
