Bird Flu Found On Second Elkhart Farm
News Release
ELKHART— This isn’t the first time an avian influenza, better known commonly as bird flu, has presented itself at a local farm. Now for a second time, a bird flu outbreak has been discovered on an Elkhart farm, bolstering a flock of an estimated 6,000 birds.
It is still unclear as to what will become of the ducks that have tested positive of the flu, but it is likely that the Indiana State Board of Animal Health will issue a statement once a full investigation of both farms has been completed and all tests are verified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa.
Local poultry owners are being asked to schedule a time to have their aviary friends tested for the flu as well. It has yet to be determined whether this strain is of the same virus currently found in 24 other states, but the agency feels it does not currently present an immediate health concern and no human has yet to be diagnosed with this particular flu.
It is important to keep in mind when in an area of mostly farmland that it is illegal to give out information on specific farms, farmers and animals. People can be understandably worried for themselves and their friends and family, but any information regarding the specifics of these cases, or any cases prior or yet to come, are to be kept confidential.
It may also be of importance to remember that avian influenza does not present a food safety risk, meaning you are still safe to enjoy chicken and eggs to your hearts content.
If you’d like to help, have something to report or want more information, this directory should help point you in the right direction:
Information concerning the testing of poultry and quarantine procedures, and information about commercial poultry flocks:
Denise Derrer, Public Information Officer, Board of Animal Health, (317) 544 2414 or [email protected]
Education for Backyard/Hobby flocks:
Jeff Burbrink or Robert Kelly, Purdue Extension — Elkhart County — (574) 533-0554
Hobby poultry owners are encouraged to report illness and/or death to:
USDA Healthy Birds Hotline — (866) 536-7593
Backyard flocks needing to be tested (in the control zones and surveillance zones only):
BOAH — (317) 544-2387
The control zones (10km or 6.2 miles around the affected barn) are generally northeast of Goshen.
The exact perimeter of the zones has not been released for privacy reasons.