Indiana’s Todd Young pushes for poultry vaccination
Bird flu is spreading across Indiana. Since the start of the year, over ten farms have been affected with the virus impacting more than six million birds. There are no human cases in Indiana.
Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and 15 other senators are urging the USDA to take action. They sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, asking for support for farmers.
Since January, Bird Flu has hit a dozen major commercial poultry production facilities across Indiana. That’s why @SenToddYoung and 15 of his Senate colleagues have written a letter to @SecRollins encouraging her to enhance @USDA's response to Bird Flu.https://t.co/IAgHFiNmow
— Hoosier Ag Today (@hoosieragtoday) February 20, 2025
“We want to make sure USDA services continue without interruption,” Young said.
In the letter, the senators proposed:
- A forward-looking strategy for vaccination in affected laying hens and turkeys;
- Outreach to partners overseas to protect and maintain international trade;
- The establishment of an HPAI Strategic Initiative to engage with industry experts and develop methods for prevention and response.
- Support for states using the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy;
- Ensuring auditors are both in place and qualified to carry out biosecurity assessments; and
- Revising indemnity rates for laying hens and pullets to accurately compensate impacted producers.
Governor Braun said state agencies are working with farmers to control the bird flu virus. The Department of Natural Resources is also tracking its impact on wildlife.
The CDC says H5N1 is a low public health risk. Indiana is making sure farm workers wear protective gear and are monitored. Here is the Indiana State Board of Animal Health dashboard.
Indiana ranks first in U.S. duck production, third in egg production, and fourth in turkey production. The industry supports over 12,700 jobs and brings in $18.3 billion.
BREAKING: A commercial duck farm in Elkhart County with nearly 4,200 birds has now been hit with Bird Flu. This is the first commercial duck farm in Indiana to have Bird Flu since April 2022. Indiana ranks first in the U.S. for duck production.
— Hoosier Ag Today (@hoosieragtoday) February 19, 2025
https://t.co/ZV1wFjQLo5