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A turkey farm in Indiana had to euthanize nearly 30,000 turkeys for avian flu, although the state maintains that a food risk is not imminent.
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) released a statement on February 10 saying that an undisclosed commercial turkey farm was hit by an H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI. Around 100 birds died of the virus, while thousands of others had to be euthanized for experiencing symptoms. However, the report emphasized that a food safety risk was not likely as all tests for the disease in the area thus far have returned negative results.
"This finding is the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry in the United States since 2020," the BOAH press release stated. "HPAI was last identified in commercial flocks in Indiana in 2016."
According to the report, the "flock appeared lethargic and [had a] decreased consumption of water" while being inspected by the BOAH. These symptoms were found to be the result of a highly pathogenic avian influenza, although no human cases were reported on the farm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this type of strain could "cause disease that affects multiple internal organs with mortality up to 90 [percent] to 100 [percent], often within 48 hours." It is often spread through direct contact with infected birds or surfaces.
Perhaps most critically, there does not appear to be any threat to public health regarding the avian flu. According to the BOAH report, all poultry and eggs are safe to eat throughout the state if they are cooked properly. They also clarified that health agencies will be sent to food handling plants and other workers that come into contact with birds or bird byproducts in order to monitor any potential spread.
Currently, a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) control area has been established surrounding the farm, with only one site of infection thus far. The flocks on the farm are currently under surveillance and are getting regularly tested, with recent tests showing no signs of the strain, the BOAH reported indicated. Still, Indiana officials are exercising caution when it comes to potential spread.
"The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is surveying the areas within and surrounding the control area for high populations of waterfowl to develop a strategy for wildlife surveillance," wrote the BOAH.
The BOAH encourages all owners of poultry to look out for signs of avian flu in their birds.
Update 2/11/2022 at 3:46 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to add more information from the Indiana Board of Animal Health.
