Hoosier poultry flocks have been hit hard by avian influenza again in 2026, with over 20 active cases at the start of April. Cool, wet conditions made for the perfect storm in spreading the disease.
Growers in northeastern Indiana have been hit the hardest, according to Indiana State Veterinarian Kyle Shipman. And the large, diverse poultry industry in the state has added to the challenge in stopping transmission.
“That just adds a unique dynamic to what the response looks like,” Shipman said. “These birds are all raised differently. What works for an egg-laying producer might not work for a duck farmer or a turkey farmer.”
Swift response
Biosecurity is necessary to keep poultry flocks safe — and it’s something that producers have never let up on, Shipman emphasized…