What's new with drones this week: spreading avian influenza at Indiana farms?

When I first saw the headlines popping up like chickenpox (pun intended), I couldn’t believe my eyes. Articles with misleading titles loosely blaming drones for spreading avian influenza at Indiana farms? I had to click. I had to see what in the world they were trying to convey.

For context, here’s a summarized excerpt from WFYI.org:

"The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) has reported increased drone activity near poultry farms quarantined due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks. Sightings have been confirmed in Adams, Allen, Jackson, and Jay counties in Indiana, as well as in parts of Ohio. Some drones have reportedly landed on barns, raising concerns about potential disease transmission between locations. The virus is highly contagious and deadly for birds. In 2025, nearly 10 farms in Indiana have been affected, leading to the culling of over 400,000 birds. Authorities are investigating the purpose behind these drone flights and advise residents not to shoot at or pursue the drones but instead report sightings to local law enforcement. Flight restrictions are being considered, with the FBI and FAA collaborating with the state to monitor airspace above quarantined farms. Biosecurity remains a significant concern as avian influenza cases rise, impacting farmers and contributing to egg shortages."

After reading the article and processing the information, I had a better handle on what was being suggested. Some farmers fear that these mysterious drones are landing on barns—potentially contaminated with H5N1—and then transporting the virus to other farms.

Drones are doing what now?

Drones Are Doing What Now?

I had to dig deeper. Questions swirled in my brain like a semi-operable McDonald's ice cream machine. So, I did what any modern-day investigator would do—I asked ChatGPT:

"Can the top of a barn even be infected? And can H5N1 be transmitted by touch?"

Here’s what I found:

How Can a Barn Be Infected?

• Contaminated Equipment or Objects – If a drone lands on an infected surface (such as a barn already exposed to H5N1) and then travels to another farm, it could carry viral particles.

• Aerosol Transmission – While less common, the virus can spread through airborne particles, especially in enclosed spaces like poultry barns.

• Human Activity – Workers or visitors can unknowingly transfer the virus via shoes, clothing, or hands.

• Rodents or Other Animals – Pests like rodents or wild birds can also carry the virus between farms.

  
  

Can H5N1 Be Transmitted by Touch?

Yes—but with limitations. The virus doesn’t typically infect humans through casual contact. Instead, people usually contract H5N1 by touching contaminated surfaces and then transferring the virus to their mouth, nose, or eyes. However, for birds, direct contact with infected surfaces—such as barn floors, feed, or water—can quickly lead to an outbreak.

So, Could Drones Spread the Virus?

If drones are landing on infected barns and moving elsewhere, they might pose a biosecurity risk. Authorities are rightfully concerned. But now comes the real question: why are these drones there in the first place?

Drones, Fear, and Misconceptions

Before I became a licensed drone pilot, I owned a few electronic cigarette shops across Indianapolis. I was lucky enough to catch the wave before most people even knew what vaping was. I saw the industry evolve from doctors recommending e-cigarettes to smokers looking to quit—to those same doctors later claiming vaping was worse than traditional cigarettes.

I know how the media and government can manipulate public perception of a product or service. And it seems like drones are now in the crosshairs.

I can't speak for the drones in New Jersey (especially the ones supposedly the size of cars). I don’t even know exactly what’s happening at these Indiana farms. Maybe something nefarious is going on. Or maybe it’s just a curious neighbor sneaking a peek at his competition’s chicken stock. Who knows? The point is, we don’t always have to assume the worst.

Take my drone piloting, for example. I could be recording a house for a real estate listing, and a conspiracy-minded neighbor might believe I’m feeding intel directly to China. In reality, I’m just trying to create unforgettable media for my clients.

A Possible Explanation?

A few months ago, a robotics company reached out to me about a job dealing with migratory birds destroying crops in southern Indiana. They developed a harmless drone payload that emits predator noises to scare off birds. The job? Test the payload and record the results.

That’s it. No secret missions. No bioterrorism. Just scaring birds to protect Indiana crops.

Now, imagine the wrong person sees that drone flying and misinterprets its purpose. Maybe, just maybe, that’s how we end up with sensationalized accusations of "mysterious drones spreading avian influenza."

Just some food for thought.

Random AndrewsIndyDroneVision.com