(NAFB.com) – Since the beginning of this year, Ohio poultry farmers have culled almost 11 million birds infected with avian flu according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In an update to state lawmakers, Ohio Poultry Association Executive Vice President Jim Chakeres said the virus has wreaked havoc on commercial flocks. Ohio’s 2025 highly pathogenic avian influenza figures continue to outpace the rest of the country. The 10.9 million birds reported culled through of Feb. 14 is 4 million more than the next closest state — Indiana — and about half a million more than Ohio Capital Journal’s last report, which included USDA data through Feb. 10. The virus has spilled from birds to cows and there have been 68 confirmed cases of bird flu in humans since the beginning of 2024. One of those cases was in Ohio, and another, in Louisiana, proved fatal. Still, state and federal health officials say there have been no incidents of person-to-person transmission and the public health risks remain low.