WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WOWO): The poultry association is extremely concerned about a lethal avian flu virus that has spread through 15 states, including Indiana. 

A backyard flock in Whitley County has tested positive, resulting in the killing of nearly 100 birds. 

Pat Wakenell is an associate professor of avian diagnostics at Purdue and one of an estimated 100 poultry veterinarians in the U.S. She has led avian flu testing at Purdue since the start of the outbreak. Wakenell fears the fast-moving virus could decimate the state’s $1.3 billion poultry industry if not quickly contained. 

For now at least, the biggest impact of the virus is on egg prices, because so many egg-producing hens have died or had to be killed.