Gibson County, IN – The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as the cause of recent waterfowl deaths. The outbreak was identified in Gibson County in December and is suspected in waterfowl deaths across 11 other counties, including Allen, Porter, and Vermillion.
According to the Indiana DNR, the state has documented 98 cases of HPAI in waterfowl since 2022. The virus primarily affects snow geese and Canada geese but has also been detected in other species such as mute swans, mallards, and double-crested cormorants. Wildlife officials attribute the increase in cases to expanded testing programs initiated in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Signs of HPAI in waterfowl include sudden death, neurological impairment, swelling around the eyes and neck, and respiratory symptoms. Residents who find dead or sick waterfowl are encouraged to report them online at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider the public health risk from HPAI to be low, the virus can affect humans. Health officials recommend avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds. Hunters should wear gloves and masks when processing waterfowl and cook meat to an internal temperature of 165°F.
The DNR advises residents to watch for flu-like symptoms if exposed to infected wildlife and to consult a healthcare provider immediately. For additional resources on HPAI and poultry biosecurity, visit on.IN.gov/avian-flu.
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