INDIANAPOLIS, In. - - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is continuing to detect and track 'highly pathogenic avian influenza' or HPAI throughout the state. 

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 30 counties have now been affected in the state of Indiana. LaPorte County, and Starke County are among those hitting close to home here in Michiana. 

The other 28 counties include Adams, Allen, Bartholomew, Benton, Boone, Clinton, Decatur, Gibson, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry, Huntington, Jackson, Jasper, Lake, Marion, Newton, Pike, Porter, Randolph, Ripley, Shelby, Tippecanoe, Union, Vanderburgh, and Vermillion.

This disease is very common among wild birds and can spread rapidly. According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources "More than 1,500 sandhill cranes have been affected by the virus since January, resulting in a large number of sandhill crane deaths in Greene, Jackson, Jasper, LaPorte, Newton, Starke, and Union counties."

The DNR is asking the public to be aware of their surroundings and avoid coming into contact with any sick or dead wildlife when possible. If contact is necessary, the DNR encourages the proper use of PPE such as masks and disposable gloves.

If sick or diseased wildlife is spotted the DNR asks the public to please report it to their Sick or Dead Wildlife Reporting page.

If the service of a wildlife control operator is needed, a full list of statewide operators can be found on the DNR's Wildlife Control Operators webpage.

For more information on highly pathogenic avian influenza and how it spreads those interested should visit the DNR disease page. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "the public health risk for HPAI is low. However, it is possible for humans to contract HPAI. People who have close contact with infected animals or their environments, such as poultry farm workers or wildlife rehabilitators, are at higher risk."