A commercial poultry flock in a bordering Ohio county is also struck by avian influenza, bringing the statewide total to 60 flocks in 2025.

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.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, the man came in contact with infected 'deceased commercial poultry.' His condition is not known at this time.

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

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

CELINA — Ohio’s first human case of the H5N1, or bird flu, virus has been found in a Mercer County man. According to the Ohio Department of Health, the risk of transmission to the general public is low. The patient, who is now recovering, contracted the virus from working with deceased commercial poultry on a farm.

A farmer in Mercer County, Ohio has been infected with bird flu, the Ohio Department of Health announced Wednesday. He is one of dozens of people nationwide infected during the current outbreak.

Ohio reports its first probable human case of bird flu in a male from Mercer County exposed at a poultry farm.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—The Ohio Department of Health is reporting the state’s first probable human case of influenza A (H5), also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu. An adult male Mercer County farm worker who was in contact with deceased commercial poultry was infected with the virus.