Commercial Duck Farm in Elkhart County Hit with Bird Flu
For the second consecutive day, state animal health authorities have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial duck operation in northern Indiana, underscoring renewed concerns about regional biosecurity and disease containment in the commercial poultry sector.
On Friday, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) reported that a commercial meat duck farm in Elkhart County, housing approximately 3,500 birds, has tested positive for HPAI. This follows a prior confirmation on Thursday of the virus in a separate commercial duck flock of 2,600 birds in neighboring LaGrange County. These are the first detections of HPAI in Indiana since May 2025.
The facilities involved have not been publicly identified, and specific location details have not been released by BOAH.
Surveillance and Control Measures in Place
In response to the detections, BOAH has established a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) control area surrounding the affected site, encompassing parts of both Elkhart and LaGrange counties. A broader 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) surveillance zone includes portions of Elkhart, LaGrange, and Noble counties. All commercial and backyard poultry flocks within these zones are subject to increased monitoring, testing, and movement restrictions per state and USDA protocols.
Veterinary teams from BOAH, USDA APHIS, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources are conducting epidemiological tracing and enhanced surveillance of both domestic flocks and local wild bird populations. Wildlife surveillance is being coordinated with USDA Wildlife Services, with particular attention to migratory waterfowl populations, which are known reservoirs for avian influenza viruses.
Industry Impacts and Biosecurity Emphasis
These latest cases bring Indiana’s total number of confirmed HPAI detections in commercial poultry operations to 24 in 2025. Notably, these figures exclude backyard and hobby flocks.
Given Indiana's status as the nation's top producer of ducks, and among the top three states for egg and turkey production, the ongoing threat of HPAI poses substantial economic and animal health risks. The poultry sector in Indiana employs more than 12,700 individuals and contributes an estimated $18.3 billion annually to the state's economy.
Veterinarians working with poultry operations are urged to re-evaluate on-farm biosecurity plans, enforce strict movement controls, and educate producers on early clinical signs of avian influenza, including increased mortality, respiratory distress, and decreased feed and water intake. Timely reporting of suspect cases remains essential to effective outbreak management.
Food Safety and Public Health
Federal and state officials continue to emphasize that HPAI is not a food safety concern. Properly cooked poultry meat, eggs, and pasteurized dairy products remain safe for consumption. To date, no human cases have been associated with these specific detections.
Veterinarians and producers are encouraged to stay informed through BOAH alerts and USDA guidance, and to participate in continued disease surveillance and control efforts as Indiana works to mitigate further spread.
