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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A large egg-producing farm in Seymour, Indiana is dealing with avian flu.

Rose Acre Farms said its Cort Acre Egg Farm started noticing deaths over the weekend. Rose Acre Farms is the second largest egg producer in the U.S. Samples were sent off to be tested immediately, and further biosecurity steps were implemented to bolster steps with an already stringent biosecurity protocol already in place.

"We are working with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and the state veterinarian on best practices to combat the risk of spreading AI to other birds," Rose Acre Farms released in a statement. "We are continuing to monitor all of our facilities."

Avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, is caused by influenza viruses that spread between birds. According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, bird flu is common in wild birds, especially waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors.

Indiana State Board of Animal Health listed the flock size as 2.8 million. The state board said bird flu in wild birds and poultry pose a low risk to the health of the general public.

"Human infections are most likely to be rare and happen in people with recreational or occupational exposures involving prolonged, unprotected close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments," Indiana State Board of Animal Health said in an update. "The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and local health departments monitor people who have been exposed to test-positive animals for signs of influenza-like illness. To date, none have had evidence of infection or illness associated with AI virus."

Indiana State Board of Animal Health said avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk. Cooked poultry and eggs and pasteurized dairy products are safe to eat.

Rose Acre Farms said this isn't the first time the Seymour farm has had cases of bird flu.

The egg producer said it's monitoring all of its facilities as it works with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and the state's veterinarian on best practices to help prevent the bird flu from spreading.

The department tells WDRB the food supply is safe and people "should feel comfortable and confident in the safety of the eggs that they buy in the store."

To learn more about how Indiana's State Board of Animal Health is combatting the bird flu, and for more information, click here.

Hobby poultry owners are asked to report illnesses and death to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline at (866) 536-7593. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.

Signs of HPAI in birds includes sudden death, lack of energy and appetite, decreased egg production, diarrhea, nasal discharge, cough or sneezing, and purple discoloration of wattles, combs and legs.

To learn more about how Indiana's State Board of Animal Health is combatting the bird flu, and for more information, click here.

The average price per dozen nationwide hit $4.15 in December. That's not quite as high as the $4.82 record set two years ago, but the Agriculture Department predicts prices are going to soar another 20% this year.

Shoppers in some parts of the country are already paying more than double the average price, or worse, finding empty shelves in their local grocery stores. Organic and cage-free varieties are even more expensive.

Bird flu is primarily spread by wild birds such as ducks and geese as they migrate. While it is fatal to a variety of animals, those species can generally carry it without getting sick, which offers the virus a chance to mutate and thrive.

The virus can be spread through droppings or any interaction between farm-raised poultry and wild birds. It's also easily tracked into a farm on someone's boots or by vehicle.

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