INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The outbreak of avian influenza that began in Indiana more than three years ago has ended, state officials announced Thursday.

“Indiana may be declared free from highly pathogenic avian influenza as of May 27, according to standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health,” the Indiana Board of Animal Health said in a release.

This designation eases international trade barriers for Indiana poultry and poultry products, but it is not an “all-clear” or a sign that the disease is completely eliminated in Indiana or the United States.

“Owners of all flocks, large and small, need to remain vigilant in biosecurity and in preventing the introduction of the virus,” IBOAH said. “The influenza virus remains active in parts of the United States… with new cases reported as recently as last week.”

The first case of bird flu in Indiana during the 2022-2025 outbreak was confirmed in early February 2022 in a Dubois County turkey flock.

Since then, Indiana has had 45 commercial or small/hobby flocks test positive for bird flu across 20 counties, affecting more than 8.5 million turkeys, ducks, and chickens. Indiana has not diagnosed a case of HPAI in livestock.

Under WOAH guidelines, a state can declare HPAI-free status after the disease has been eliminated on all affected farms and no new infections are detected in a subsequent 28-day waiting period. All control areas and surveillance zones have been released, and most farms have been cleared to restock.