Active Public Health Outbreaks in Indiana: November 2025 Status Report
High Alert
H5N1 Bird Flu
Commercial & Backyard Flocks
Active Investigation
Infant Botulism
Linked to Powdered Formula
Seasonal Surge
Respiratory Viruses
Flu & RSV Rising, COVID Moderate
H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
As of late November 2025, Indiana is experiencing a significant surge in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), specifically the H5N1 strain. The state has become a "hotbed of activity" for the virus, particularly affecting the commercial poultry sector. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) and USDA APHIS have confirmed multiple detections in commercial duck and turkey flocks, as well as backyard setups.
Current Impact Zone (November 2025)
| County | Flock Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| LaGrange | Commercial Duck & Turkey | Active Quarantine |
| Elkhart | Commercial Duck | Active Quarantine |
| Statewide | Backyard Flocks | Multiple Detections |
Source: USDA APHIS & Indiana BOAH Data
Contrast in Viewpoints: While agricultural officials emphasize the economic devastation to the poultry industry (Indiana is a top duck-producing state), public health officials maintain that the risk to the general human public remains low. However, surveillance of farm workers has been intensified following rare human cases in other states.
Infant Botulism & Food Safety
A multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula is currently active. The FDA and CDC are investigating cases where infants consumed this specific powdered formula. Indiana is among the states with reported cases or product distribution.
- Pathogen: Clostridium botulinum
- Product: ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula
- Action: Recall issued; consumers urged to check lot codes immediately.
- Status: Ongoing investigation as of Nov 2025.
Salmonella (Backyard Poultry)
An active investigation continues into Salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry. This is a recurring seasonal issue that has persisted into late 2025.
Note: This outbreak is distinct from the 2015 E. coli outbreak in Fulton/Wabash counties, which often appears in search results but is not current.
Respiratory Virus Surveillance
Indiana is currently in the midst of its respiratory virus season. Data from the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and CDC indicates a "tripledemic" threat profile, though severity varies by pathogen.
Resolved but Notable 2025 Events
Measles (Allen County): Earlier in 2025, Allen County experienced a confirmed measles outbreak involving 6 cases. This outbreak was officially declared over in May 2025 after two incubation periods passed without new cases. It serves as a reminder of the importance of MMR vaccination coverage, which has dipped in some local communities.
Tuberculosis: While not a sudden "outbreak," Indiana has seen a "quiet resurgence" of TB cases in 2024-2025, with active case clusters identified in Allen and Bartholomew counties.