Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to occur in the United States as we enter the fourth year of this outbreak. Ohio’s poultry industry was significantly impacted over last several months in the western area of the state, particularly in Darke and Mercer counties. The ODA website is kept up to date with information on these detections, information on how to submit samples to the lab, ODA and USDA’s response during this outbreak, and biosecurity resources. On the web page, there is both a map of current active control areas (under the “Take Action on HPAI” tab) and a list of all detections that have occurred in Ohio (under the “Tracking HPAI Across Ohio” tab).
After a case is detected, ODA and USDA staff work closely with OPA and poultry producers on the response which includes depopulation, disposal, biosecurity audits, and environmental sampling of the premises.
Ohio producers are encouraged to be alert and practice enhanced biosecurity. The Defend the Flock Program with USDA has great information on biosecurity for backyard producers.
If you suspect HPAI in your backyard flock, please call the Division of Animal Health at 614-728-6220.
If you have questions about sick wild birds, please call the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) at 1-800-WILDLIFE.