Concerns over avian flu are mounting in the Ohio Valley, as local chicken farmers brace for potential impacts already felt by their national counterparts.The o

Avian influenza is in the same virus family as seasonal flu. Poultry has proven to be very sensitive to the virus, which results in high mortality.

The first human case of bird flu in Ohio was reported in a farm worker from Mercer County. There have been 68 human cases of bird flu in 11 states since January 1, 2024, including one death in Louisiana. The overall risk of contracting bird flu remains low, but those in close contact with infected poultry should take precautions.

Two commercial laying hen flocks in Ohio have been struck by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), including one that involved more than 3 million birds.

A Mercer County farm worker came into contact with dead poultry that was infected with the disease, the state's health department reports.

Ohio’s director of ag says the state has become a national hotspot for highly pathogenic avian influenza this year. Brian Baldridge says more than 11.5 million birds have been depopulated because of the virus.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Ohio has its first case of bird flu transmitted to a person, according to state health officials. The Ohio Department of Health on Wednesday announced the state’s first probable human case of influenza A (H5), also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

In an effort to lessen the burdens caused by these conditions, the Ohio Treasurer’s office will be offering an enhanced Ag-LINK application window for commercial poultry farmers in counties affected

The price of a dozen extra large eggs at the Lima Meijer stood at $5.99 on Sunday, Feb. 23. Down the road, the Mercer County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency from the recent outbreak of H5N1 influenza,

Forty commercial poultry flocks in Mercer County, Ohio have been impacted by highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2025. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says the virus was recently detected in another commercial egg layer facility in Mercer County.

Ongoing bird flu outbreaks continue to ravage commercial poultry flocks in Indiana and Ohio, where two counties issued emergency declarations last week. But Tennessee appears to be faring better, at least for now.