Egg producer confirms bird flu, deaths at its Seymour, Indiana, farm

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The second largest egg producer in the U.S. said its farm in Seymour, Indiana, tested positive for the avian flu.

Rose Acre Farms said its Cort Acre Egg Farm started noticing deaths over the weekend.

Samples were sent off to be tested immediately, and further biosecurity steps were implemented to bolster steps an already stringent biosecurity protocol already in place.

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.

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.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza refers to viruses that can produce severe to fatal cases of the disease in domestic poultry. Officials say the risk of HPAI to the general public is low.

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.

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