The Indiana Department of Natural Resources confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza as the cause of death in waterfowl in Gibson County in December, and the department stated today, Jan. 22 that it suspects that the disease may be the cause of waterfowl deaths in neighboring counties as it appears to have spread over the last six weeks.
The department stated today, Jan. 22 that it suspects that the disease is the cause of waterfowl deaths reported in Tippecanoe, Hamilton, Allen, Benton, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Pike, Porter, Starke and Vermillion counties as well as the confirmed case in Gibson County.
The recent positive detections of the disease are reportedly part of 98 positive detections across the state in waterfowl since 2022 when the department began testing for the disease in waterfowl and raptors. The department stated that increased testing in hunter harvested waterfowl with the assistance of the United States Department of Agriculture has also led to the additional detections that are expected to continue to be registered.
Most waterfowl species affected are snow geese and Canada geese, but the department has also noted deaths in mute swans, tundra swans, mallards, American white pelicans, common goldeneyes and double crested cormorants.
Community members who find wild waterfowl that are dead for no obvious reason or showing any of the following signs should report it online at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.
Signs of HPAI in waterfowl include:
- Sudden death
- Neurological impairment (e.g., lack of coordination, swimming in circles, tremors, twisted neck)
- Lack of energy and appetite
- Swelling of the head, neck, and eyes
- Nasal discharge, cough, sneezing, lack of coordination, and diarrhea.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service recommended that waterfowl hunters wear protective clothing, such as face masks and gloves, to process birds, and the department further recommended that the processing of birds should be conducted in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Meat harvested from waterfowl should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165-degrees before consumption.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk for the disease is low, but it is possible for humans to contract the disease. Members of the public are encouraged to avoid contact with sick waterfowl and other sick wildlife whenever possible. If a carcass must be handled, community members should wear disposable gloves and a mask and wash hands with soap and water immediately afterward.
The public should contact their healthcare provider if they come into contact with waterfowl and develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, cough or sore throat with or without conjunctivitis within 10 days of exposure.
Some domestic and agricultural animals are also known to be susceptible to the disease, including poultry, cattle and cats. If community members have these animals at home, they should be sure to process any harvested waterfowl away from their animals and practice good biosecurity measures.
For more information on the avian flu, visit on.IN.gov/avian-flu.
For more information about poultry biosecurity measures, visit aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock.
If any poultry acting sick or are found dead, especially from an unknown cause, report it to the Board of Animal Health at IN.gov/boah/species-information/avianbirds/small-flock-and-exhibition-poultry/sick-andor-dead-poultry-questionnaire/.
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