Ohio agriculture officials keeping watch on avian flu case in Indiana

COLUMBUS

State agriculture officials are keeping a close eye on a confirmed case of avian flu in southern Indiana, weeks after Ohio lifted a state ban on poultry displays at fairs, auctions and other events.

Erica Hawkins, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Agriculture, said in a released statement the agency has not changed its decision on poultry showings.

She added, “We are watching this event in Indiana closely. This is a new flu strain and different from the strain that caused the outbreaks last year. The department will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions on any statewide restrictions needed to protect our poultry flocks as the situation unfolds.”

She added, “At this time, no changes have been made to the statewide ban, but we are continuing to monitor the situation closely to determine if changes are needed.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on Friday confirmed the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain in a commercial turkey flock in Dubois County, Ind., which is about midway between Louisville, Ky., and Evansville, Ind.

Read more about the matter in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.