Another case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in Indiana. The latest case was detected in a non-commercial hobby flock in Randolph County. Indiana’s State Board of Animal Health says 70 birds will be depopulated.

Indiana-based Rose Acre Farms, the second largest egg producer in the U.S., has confirmed fowl deaths from bird flu at its Indiana facility.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), along with federal and local officials, is investigating an increased drone presence in the state.

Avian influenza, commonly called the bird flu, is infecting waterfowl in the Tippecanoe County area, according to the Indiana DNR.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources say it’s “very likely” avian flu has reached Vanderburgh County. This comes as several dead geese were discovered at a lake near Evansville State Hospital. Conservation officers say in total,

Avian flu has recently been detected in dead waterfowl in LaPorte, Lake, Porter, Starke and seven other counties in the state, meaning that hunters and others should take care if they’re handling waterfowl,

The recent uptick of highly pathogenic avian influenza across the state of Indiana has producers on high alert to curb the spread of the virus. Denise Derrer Spears with Indiana’s State Board of Animal Health says more than a six mile barrier is put in place immediately following a positive test result.

In related developments, West Virginia officials suspended poultry exhibitions and Massachusetts warned of sick and dead birds across several cities.

Avian influenza, H5N1 or bird flu is a virus that is spreading throughout the United States. While the risk to the public remains low at

"Many of these drones have been reported flying over farms identified by the Board of Animal Health, and some reports have surfaced of people shooting at the drones to bring them down," state officials said.

The progression of the species-jumping disease has been unprecedented, including the first-ever U.S. cases of infections in dairy cattle and heightened pandemic risks.

Avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, is caused by influenza viruses that spread between birds. According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, bird flu is common in wild birds, especially waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors.