ADDL Conducts Testing as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is Confirmed by USDA in Indiana Commercial Turkey Flock

February 11, 2022

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Dubois County, Indiana. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in commercial poultry in the United States since 2020.

Samples from the affected flock, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at the Purdue University Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL), part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Virus isolation is ongoing.

The ADDL provides diagnostic services in support of animal health for the State of Indiana and across the United States. “When samples from the affected flock were delivered to the ADDL, the lab responded swiftly to conduct the needed tests,” said Dr. Kenitra Hendrix, ADDL director. The diagnostic laboratory is continuing to work with the Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH) and USDA. The farm is under quarantine, and BOAH is actively working with the industry to increase monitoring of flocks statewide.

“We know that fast and accurate testing is essential in supporting the USDA and BOAH as they respond to this case,” said Dr. Hendrix. “This service is one of the ways in which we fulfill our mission of diagnostic support of animal health and the food animal industry.”

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. No human cases of avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.

Hobby poultry owners are encouraged to practice good biosecurity and be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline: 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.

Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities in Indiana, along with critical disease-related information, will be posted on BOAH’s website. Users may also subscribe to email and/or text message updates on a link at the top of that page. Click here to view the latest updates.

Writer(s): Madeline Brod, PVM Communications Intern, and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

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