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Undated stock photo of turkeys. (Courtesy: National Turkey Federation)

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health reported three additional cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI, at locations around the state over the weekend.

The new cases involve an egg farm in Seymour owned by Rose Acre Farms, as well as commercial turkey farm and a non-poultry, mixed-species hobby flock.

The case of the commercial turkey farm infection was reported in Adams County, just north of Jay County, where three cases of avian flu were previously detected.

The Adams County turkey farm, the name of which was not disclosed, has a flock of just under 20,000 birds, which have been placed under quarantine. The Board of Animal Health has established a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) control area and a 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) surveillance zone around the affected area.

The commercial egg laying operation where the avian flu was detected is located in Jackson County, and Inside INdiana Business has confirmed that it is Rose Acre Farms’ Court Acre Egg Farm in Seymour.

Approximately 2.8 million birds are part of the affected flock, which has also been placed under quarantine, with the same sized control area and surveillance zone established. The surveillance zone covers portions of Jackson, Bartholomew, Brown and Jennings counties.

“We are working with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and the state veterinarian on best practices to combat the risk of spreading [the virus] to other birds,” a Rose Acre spokesperson said in an email to IIB. “We are continuing to monitor all of our facilities.”

On Sunday, the Board of Animal Health also detailed a detection of the virus in a non-poultry, mixed-species hobby flock in Shelby County. The flock is comprised of 44 birds, though the specific species were not detailed.

The birds have been placed under quarantine, and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone has been established, which covers portions of Shelby County.

In all three cases, the board says it will conduct testing of nearby flocks to ensure the virus has not spread in the area.

In the three Jay County cases reported earlier this month, as well as a case at an Allen County commercial egg laying operation, the affected flocks were all depopulated. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has also confirmed the virus as the cause of death of waterfowl in Gibson County and suspected in more cases in 11 other counties.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk for HPAI is low. However, it is possible for humans to contract HPAI. The DNR said members of the public should avoid contact with sick waterfowl and other sick wildlife whenever possible.

Prior to this month, the last instance of a positive test for avian flu was Feb. 23, 2024, in a non-commercial turkey flock in Allen County. The board said HPAI has been identified on more than 1,300 premises in all 50 states—including several in Indiana—since February 2022.

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