Indiana is grappling with a significant outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has recently hit both commercial laying hens and meat duck operations in LaGrange County. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), three commercial flocks tested positive for HPAI on November 7. These include two meat duck flocks—housing approximately 8,300 and 8,400 ducks—and one flock of 18,300 table egg-laying hens.
- The outbreak marks a troubling escalation in Indiana’s poultry sector, which ranks first nationally in duck production and third in egg production.
- With these new detections, APHIS has confirmed HPAI in 32 commercial poultry flocks across the state so far in 2025.
- Affected counties include LaGrange, Elkhart, Kosciusko, Adams, Jackson, and Jay, underscoring the widespread nature of the virus in northern Indiana.
State officials are also monitoring additional suspected cases. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) reported on November 9 that four more flocks in LaGrange County have shown signs of infection. These include three breeder duck flocks totaling nearly 8,200 birds and another commercial layer flock with 25,582 hens. While these cases are not yet confirmed by APHIS, they highlight the rapid spread of the virus within the region.
- Since early October, Indiana has seen a resurgence of HPAI after months without reported cases.
- The virus has now impacted more than 41 commercial farms in northern Indiana, affecting over 539,000 birds.
- Each infected facility is placed under quarantine, and depopulation measures are implemented to prevent further transmission.
Despite the severity of the outbreak, federal and state agencies emphasize that HPAI does not pose a food safety risk. Properly cooked poultry, eggs, and pasteurized dairy products remain safe for consumption. However, the economic implications for Indiana’s poultry industry are substantial, given the state’s leading role in national production.
Biosecurity remains the cornerstone of containment efforts. Farmers are urged to restrict movement between farms, disinfect equipment, and monitor flocks closely for symptoms such as sudden death, neurological impairment, and respiratory distress. Surveillance of wild birds is also ongoing, as migratory species often play a role in spreading the virus.
While the public health risk is considered low, officials advise avoiding contact with sick or dead birds. Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms after exposure should seek medical attention promptly.
Sources: Available upon request