AUSTIN, Ind. (WDRB) – Dead sandhill cranes found in southern Indiana are raising concerns about the spread of avian flu from poultry to wild birds.

In Jackson County, near Brownstown and Seymour, residents have reported seeing sick or dead cranes in fields where the migratory birds typically gather in large numbers. Many of the dead birds are located on Highway 50 between Brownstown and Bedford. 

Some worry the outbreak could spread further.

“There are a lot of sandhill cranes that are bringing the disease through, how they are dropping it,” said Matt Johnson, a bird hunter in the area.

The discovery comes as nearby chicken farms have already been affected by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Johnson, who used to raise chickens, says the risk of contamination is too high this year.

“If you have chickens either free-ranging or you walk into your chicken coop, you’ve just taken that disease in there,” he said. “People really need to be careful.”

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources confirmed HPAI has been detected in sandhill cranes and other waterfowl across Jackson County and several other counties in the state. While the dead cranes found recently have not been tested, officials say it is likely the virus is to blame.

Residents are worried about the potential impact on other birds, including poultry.

“I have a friend that raises turkeys, and if he were to get that in his turkey barns, it’s going to be devastating for his livelihood,” Johnson said.

For now, those in the area remain on alert, taking precautions to protect their birds and prevent further spread of the disease.

Bird flu has had an affect on egg prices, as poultry deaths have led to an egg shortage.

The nationwide shortage of eggs is due to the bird flu outbreak that started nearly three years ago. Since then, around 160 million chickens have died.

Some restaurants are adding surcharges of up to 50 cents an egg for customers who want breakfast. Other stores are limiting the number of eggs people can buy. The national price for a dozen eggs is $4.95.

Health experts say eggs are still considered safe to eat.

Rebecca Sutton raises her own chickens.

"I have 12 (chickens) and I get eight to 10 eggs a day so I help my family out with giving them eggs so it doesn't concern me at all," Sutton said.

But others aren't willing to pay the price.

"We haven't had eggs in my house in a while because they are getting so expensive," said Regan Ozbun, who lives in Brownstown. "We are just like whatever. I guess we are just not going to have eggs."

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