H5N8 avian influenza found in Indiana backyard flock

Highlypathogenic H5N8 avian influenza has been confirmed in a backyard mixed poultryflock in Whitley County, Indiana.

Highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza has been confirmed in a backyard mixed poultry flock in Whitley County, Indiana, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on May 11.

While the Mississippi flyway has had numerous outbreaks of H5N2 avian influenza, this is the first confirmed case of H5N8 avian influenza outside of the Pacific flyway in 2015.

Samples from the flock, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the findings. APHIS is working closely with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health to respond to the finding. State officials quarantined the affected premises and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

With the latest avian influenza outbreak, Indiana becomes the 19th state to have at least one confirmed case of avian influenza. Other states with confirmed cases include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, California, Nevada, Kentucky and New Mexico.

To track confirmed cases of the North American avian influenza outbreak, see WATTAgNet's avian influenza tracker map and bookmark the avian influenza update page for news about and analysis of avian influenza.

Page 1 of 477
Next Page