Bird Flu Hits Central Indiana, Affecting Nearly 19,000 Turkeys

Highly pathogenic avian influenza detected at commercial poultry farms in Boone and Elkhart counties

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Indiana State Board of Animal Health has confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, at two commercial poultry farms in central Indiana. The first case was detected at a turkey farm in Boone County housing nearly 19,000 birds, while a second case was confirmed at a commercial meat duck farm in Elkhart County with nearly 3,000 birds.

Why it matters

Indiana is a major poultry-producing state, ranking fourth nationally in turkey production and leading the nation in duck production. These outbreaks raise concerns about the potential spread of the virus and the impact on the state's poultry industry and food supply.

The details

In response to the Boone County case, state animal health officials have established a 10-kilometer control zone and a 20-kilometer surveillance zone covering parts of several counties. Poultry and dairy farms within these areas will undergo testing for the virus. Another case was confirmed at a commercial meat duck farm in Elkhart County, where nearly 3,000 birds are raised.

  • On February 18, 2026, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health reported the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a commercial breeder turkey farm in Boone County.
  • On February 21, 2026, a separate case of bird flu was confirmed at a commercial meat duck farm in Elkhart County.

The players

Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH)

The state agency responsible for monitoring and responding to animal health issues, including the detection and containment of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The federal agency that oversees the nation's food supply, including providing guidance on the safety of poultry and eggs during avian influenza outbreaks.

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What’s next

State animal health officials will continue to monitor the situation and conduct testing within the established control and surveillance zones to prevent the further spread of the virus.

The takeaway

These bird flu outbreaks in Indiana's poultry industry highlight the importance of vigilant disease monitoring and biosecurity measures to protect the state's food production and the broader agricultural economy.