A commercial egg farm in Kosciusko County, Indiana, has been placed under quarantine following the detection of bird flu in its flock. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) confirmed the presence of the virus, leading to strict containment measures.
25,000-Bird Flock Affected
BOAH officials reported that the infected facility houses nearly 25,000 birds. As a precaution, authorities have imposed a 10-kilometer control zone around the farm, encompassing parts of both Kosciusko and Marshall counties. An additional 20-kilometer surveillance zone has been set up, extending into Fulton County as well.
The agency is working on depopulating affected birds to prevent the virus from spreading further. Once testing confirms that the virus is no longer present, the quarantine will be lifted, and operations can resume with restocking efforts.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Farmers and poultry owners are urged to monitor their flocks for signs of infection. Symptoms of bird flu in poultry include:
- Lethargy and reduced activity
- Decrease in egg production
- Respiratory distress
- Sudden and unexplained deaths
BOAH emphasized the importance of reporting any unusual poultry illnesses to prevent further outbreaks.
Largest Animal Health Crisis in U.S. History
Officials have labeled the ongoing bird flu outbreak as the most significant animal health emergency in U.S. history. The virus has been detected in flocks across all 50 states since February 2022, raising concerns about its long-term impact on the poultry industry.
Despite the severity of the outbreak, BOAH reassured consumers that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk. Properly cooked poultry, eggs, and pasteurized dairy products remain safe for consumption.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Actions
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will update residents as containment efforts continue. The state’s Board of Animal Health is maintaining an online dashboard to provide real-time updates on confirmed cases and quarantine statuses.
For further information, poultry owners and consumers can refer to BOAH’s official website for the latest updates on the outbreak.
