The Indiana State Board of Animal Health announced four new bird flu cases in LaGrange County on Tuesday night. These detections push the total number of cases in the county to 40 this year and affect flocks of more than 40,000 birds.

Latest Outbreak Details in LaGrange County

State officials confirmed the cases involve commercial breeder ducks, meat ducks, and commercial broilers. The virus, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza or HPAI, has hit hard in northern Indiana since early October. LaGrange County stands out as a key area because the state leads the nation in duck production. This outbreak follows a pattern of rapid spread in commercial poultry operations.

Experts point to wild bird migration as a main way the virus moves. Flocks in nearby Elkhart County have also faced issues, with over 20 detections reported there this month. The total birds lost statewide from bird flu in 2025 now tops 9 million, mostly from depopulation to stop the spread.

Official Response and Quarantine Measures

Authorities acted fast after the confirmation. All affected flocks went under quarantine right away. A 10 kilometer control area now covers parts of LaGrange County to limit movement of birds and equipment. Beyond that, a 20 kilometer surveillance zone includes sections of Elkhart, LaGrange, and Noble Counties for close monitoring.

State teams work with federal partners to test nearby farms and watch wild birds. Depopulation remains the standard step to contain the virus, though it hurts farmers. Officials stress that cooked poultry and eggs stay safe for people, with no human cases linked to these flocks.

Here are key steps in the response process:

• Immediate quarantine of infected sites
• Testing of birds in surveillance zones
• Restrictions on bird transport within control areas
• Support for farmers through compensation programs

Broader Impact on Indiana Poultry Industry

This surge in cases adds to the economic strain on Indiana’s poultry sector. The state ranks third in egg production nationwide, and duck farms face big losses. Over 500,000 birds have died or been depopulated in northern Indiana since October alone. Farmers deal with lost income, cleanup costs, and delays in restocking.

Egg prices could rise soon if the outbreak grows, much like past years when bird flu drove up costs during holidays. One recent event in Elkhart County saw nearly 50,000 birds affected in a single week, showing how quickly things escalate. Mental health support now helps affected communities, as the stress builds on families and workers.

This table shows the four newest cases plus the one just before for context. Numbers come from official tallies and highlight the scale.

Prevention Tips for Farmers and Residents

To fight back against bird flu, strong biosecurity tops the list. Farmers should limit visitors to sites, clean equipment often, and keep wild birds away from domestic flocks. Backyard owners need to watch for sick birds and report them quick.

State leaders urge everyone to stay alert. Rodents and other pests can carry the virus too, so pest control matters. Recent advice from experts includes better fencing and water management to reduce contact with wild migrants. These steps not only protect local farms but also help the whole industry recover.

If you spot unusual bird deaths or illness, contact local animal health officials. Simple actions like these can slow the spread and save livelihoods.

Bird flu updates change fast, so check reliable sources often. Share this article if it helps you understand the issue better, and leave a comment on what questions you have about staying safe.