“This virus has been unusual,” Avian Influenza Detected in Daviess County

By: Corbin Lingenfelter, News Director

Daviess County- A presumptive positive case of Avian Influenza has been detected in Daviess County.

Presumptive positive tests indicate at least one of a commercial flock has tested positive for the virus at the Indiana Board of Animal Health (IBOAH) headquarters in Indianapolis. Further testing is done at the national USDA testing center in Iowa to confirm the virus’ presence.

The flock in which the virus was detected is a commercial turkey flock of 11,394 according IBOAH. Quarantine and Surveillance zones have been established while testing is being conducted.

The virus, which carries a H5 designation, has been unusual since the first detected case in early February. Typically, avian flus end in the summer, making seeing a case this late in the year unusual, says IBOAH’s Denise Spears.

“Nationally we’re seeing this happen in other states as well,” said Spears, “Indiana is not the only continuing to experience high path cases.”

Flocks in Alabama, Iowa, and Colorado have seen cases in the past week according to Spears. The belief is the recent mild winter is one of the factors helping continue the spread.

“As long as we keep having a mild winter, they’ll still continue to be a threat out there,” said Spears.

HPAI is believed to be spread through wild birds and waterfowl that land in farm ponds or near areas where commercial flock is raised. The wild birds do not always feel ill or look sick, but can leave behind feces near flocks that spreads the disease.

Signs of the disease to look for in the flock include birds getting quiet and/or lethargic, and the birds may quit drinking and eating. Other signs include goopy eyes and discoloration around the comb or waddle.

Bio security is one of the best measure to prevent the spread according to Spears. This type of security involves doing anything you can to prevent the virus from entering into the barn. Other preventative measures include being aware of what you touch and also using caution when walking around flocks, as the disease could be on your footwear.

The current number of commercial turkeys affected by the disease in Indiana is at 183,127.