Nebraska Department of Ag responds to increase in avian flu

Previously limited to wild geese, the virus is now confirmed in a domestic flock in Merrick County.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Several states have been dealing with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) recently. Nebraska had been relatively fortunate, with a few cases showing up in wild geese. As of Wednesday, though, it’s now confirmed in domestic birds.

Nebraska’s recent history with avian influenza dates back to March 7th, when a wild goose in Lincoln was confirmed to have HPAI. Since then, more wild geese in Cedar and Douglas Counties have had it. We then come to the 16th, where the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the USDA announced a confirmed case in a backyard flock in Merrick County.

NDA Director Steve Wellman says this is the first confirmed case in a backyard flock. “We still do not have a case in any commercial poultry flocks, so we’re appreciative of that.”

For now, the affected facility is inside a zone of heightened biosecurity measures.

“There is a 6.2-mile surveillance radius around the facility”, explains Director Wellman. “The facility itself is quarantined and the birds are being depopulated to control the disease.”

Wellman adds that nearby poultry producers are being informed so they can be on high alert as well. The NDA has been stressing just how important it is for all producers to stay vigilant at this time.

“This is a virus that spreads easily from animal to animal through secretions in manure and that kind of thing, but it can also be carried in by workers if they carry manure or something on their clothing”, says Wellman.

Wellman adds that it’s not recommended for workers to share equipment, and they ought not to move between flocks at this time.

Even though “bird flu” is something of a charged term, it’s important to remember that your own health is not at risk.

Wellman says, “According to the Centers for Disease Control, there has not been a case that affected humans in the United States. Again, it’s low risk to humans. It’s an animal disease that affects poultry.”

With how brutal it can be to birds, though, there is certainly cause for concern. Any producers who notice the signs or symptoms of HPAI in their own flocks, particularly an increase in unexpected deaths, should get in contact with the NDA immediately.

A quick and easy resource to check is the avian influenza page on the NDA’s website. It has a list of common symptoms, as well as all the important contact information.