Recent Outbreaks of Avian Influenza in Indiana Poultry

The poultry industry in Indiana is facing significant challenges as state animal health officials have confirmed new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial turkey farms across two counties. The Indiana Board of Animal Health reported that one affected farm in Sullivan County housed 45,686 birds, while another farm in Boone County had 18,763 turkeys.

This alarming trend is particularly impacting Indiana’s thriving duck industry, which is the largest in the nation. Recently, two commercial duck flocks in Elkhart County totaling 10,700 and 2,987 birds were depopulated to contain the outbreak. Elkhart County has emerged as a hotspot for avian influenza activity in the state.

National Impact of Avian Influenza

The implications of these outbreaks extend beyond state lines. According to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 8.4 million domestic birds have been impacted nationally since the beginning of 2026.

In recent reports, APHIS confirmed the presence of infections at two commercial egg-layer facilities in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, involving 2,641,200 and 104,800 hens, along with a pullet operation with 393,300 young chickens. Additionally, cases were identified in backyard flocks in Weld County, Colorado and Palm Beach County, Florida.

A Glimpse of Hope in Canada

In contrast to the situation in the United States, Canada has seen a significant decrease in cases. Since mid-January, only one backyard flock in Pictou County, Nova Scotia has tested positive for avian influenza, marking just the second domestic case of the year. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reported that the last commercial flock infection occurred on January 15, with no new commercial cases reported in western provinces since December 19, when British Columbia recorded its last outbreak.

As the situation evolves, both countries continue to monitor the health of poultry to mitigate the spread of avian influenza and protect the vital poultry industry.