HPAI Hits Commercial Poultry Flocks Across the Midwest

Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu (HPAI) cases are rising. In the last week, seven commercial turkey, duck, and egg layer flocks were culled across five Midwest states and California.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — The bird migration season is driving an increase in detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) across the Midwest, with confirmed cases in commercial duck and commercial turkey flocks in Indiana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Michigan, as reported by APHIS between Friday, Oct. 31, and Monday, Nov. 3.

In Michigan, more than 60,000 commercial turkeys were culled after an outbreak last week. Then, in Indiana, more than 46,000 layers and commercial ducks across multiple outbreaks in Elkhart County were put down after a detection there. State officials there are working with the federal government to put up more surveillance and testing near that site.

In the Upper Midwest, North Dakota experienced an outbreak of commercial turkey disease affecting 24,700 birds. Also, in South Dakota, outbreaks in two turkey flocks in Lamoure and Spink Counties affected 120,100 birds.

APHIS also confirmed two recent cases in Sonoma County, California – a table egg layer flock of 231,000 and a commercial duck breeder with a flock of 567,300.

Related Stories
Strong land values contrast with mounting credit pressure.
Britt Hilton with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau joined us to discuss current conditions, producer impacts, and the road to recovery following the Ranger Road Fire.
The closure of Lubbock Feeders highlights mounting pressure on the U.S. cattle supply, according to the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, as border restrictions and costs strain feedyards.
The Ranger Road Fire is fully contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres. Ranchers face significant cattle and fence losses, with recovery efforts underway.
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.
Analysts warn the closed U.S.-Mexico border is straining cattle supplies and packing capacity. StoneX and USDA data point to long-term industry shifts.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum explains the role farm safety net programs play in supporting farm finances as growers head into the 2026 planting season.
Wed, 3/18/26 – 7:30 PM ET – Build better financial habits with tips from AARP
Corn demand is rising thanks to ethanol expansion, yet year-round E15 remains missing from the Farm Bill—leaving farmers questioning the policy gap.
Real Ag’s Shaun Haney explains how farmers are approaching risk management and the steps they’re taking to strengthen profitability through better financial planning.
Valley Irrigation’s Darren Siekman explains the advantages of their new pivots for growers managing acreages of up to 60 acres.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses spring allergies and respiratory illnesses on this week’s Rural Health Matters, offering advice on managing symptoms and knowing when to seek professional help.
Agriculture Shows
From barnyards and back roads to metros and highways, Simply Southern TV on RFD Network explores all of Alabama to bring you the best stories on farming, gardening, forestry, rural living, and youth in agriculture.
In the first week of each month, “Down Home Virginia,” produced by the Virginia Farm Bureau, airs its half-hour program. Other states’ Farm Bureaus featured on different weeks include Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Idaho, and New York, and news from the American Farm Bureau from Washington, D.C.
Created by former Louisiana Farm Bureau PR Director and former host Regnal Wallace, “This Week in Louisiana Agriculture,” is one of the state’s longest-running TV programs.
From the rapid technological advances in the business of farming to the policy that helps shape the industry, growers get unparalleled perspective from these guys. Max Armstrong, Mike Pearson and Greg Soulje: the names producers have long known and trusted for agriculture news, weather, and commentary.