The U.S. Department of Agriculture on May 11 confirmed a positive H5N8 strain, a highly pathogenic avian influenza, on an Indiana farm. One 77-bird backyard flock in Whitley County is associated with the infection. "As we complete testing of poultry flocks associated with the infected flock (those that are nearby or have sold birds to the owner), we are feeling better that the disease has not spread," said Denise Derrer, public information director at the Indiana State Board of Animal Health.
The flu does not present a food safety risk to consumers - so meat and eggs are safe to eat. The general human health risk from H5 influenza has been classified as very low by the Centers for Disease Control. The strain is different than a strain, H5N2, that has been affecting farms in the upper Midwest. This strain was last diagnosed in February in California. It is just as deadly to domestic poultry.
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