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.
-
Semi-crash leaves one dead on I-65 in downtown Indianapolis
Police said a semi and two passenger cars were involved in the collision. The truck and one of the cars caught fire, leaving one person in one car dead.
Experts: 'Walking Pneumonia' cases on the rise, especially in kids
The colder weather is coming, which usually means an uptick in viral infections, but officials said they've already been seeing pneumonia cases for months.
Hurricane Rafael drifts over open waters in the Gulf of Mexico
Hurricane Rafael churned over open water in the Gulf of Mexico Thursday, regaining some strength after crossing over western Cuba on Wednesday.
Carmel Police unveils Drone First Responder program
The drones launch from a base in central Carmel and travel to the address of the incident. The program's goal is to improve response times and officer safety.
