USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7N8 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Dubois County, Indiana. This is a different strain of HPAI than the strains the caused the 2015 outback. In the 2015 outbreak, the viruses involved were H5N8 and H5N2.
APHIS is working closely with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health on a joint incident response. State officials quarantined the affected premises and depopulation of the birds has already begun. As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in the nearby area. APHIS’s press release is available here. It is expected that trade bans will begin immediately for the state of Indiana and could be country-wide depending on the importing country.
There are no known cases of H7N8 infections in humans. Proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees kills bacteria and viruses, including HPAI.
