JOHNSON COUNTY — A non-poultry flock in Johnson County has tested positive for the H5N1 avian flu, according to the state.
It's the first non-poultry flock to test positive in the state, according to the Indiana Board of Animal Health. Several other commercial flocks have already tested positive.
There are about 41 chickens, ducks and peafowl in the hobby flock in Johnson County, according to the board. The site has been "quarantined and depopulated."
The board is reaching out to residents near the site to schedule testing to ensure the virus hasn't spread.
Hobby poultry owners in Johnson County can contact the board at 317-544-2387 to schedule testing.
The avian influenza doesn't present a food safety risk and poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly, according to a press release.
The board of animal health is encouraging poultry owners to practice good biosecurity and know the signs of avian influenza. Illnesses and deaths should be reported to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline at 866-536-7593 where they will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for assessment.
The signs include:
- Sudden death without clinical signs
- Lack of energy or appetite
- Decreased egg production
- Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
- Swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Incoordination
- Diarrhea
Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing, according to the release.
The board of animal health will post updates online.
-
Trump Rx launches online portal aimed at lowering prescription drug costs
Trump Rx launched last week, introducing an online portal designed to help consumers find the lowest prices on prescription medications.
Indy-based security company reaches agreement, license will soon be on probation
An Indianapolis security company’s license will soon be on probation, according to an agreement approved by a state licensing board on Thursday.
Mt. Comfort Elementary goes to virtual learning due to flu outbreak
Mt. Comfort Elementary will close for two days and move to virtual learning due to high absenteeism from illness, the school district announced.
Second arrest made in 1992 cold case murder of Tony Bledsoe
Indiana State Police announced Thursday they have arrested a second suspect in the 1992 murder of Tony Bledsoe, marking another breakthrough in the decades-old cold case.
