Nebraska reports fourth case of pathogenic avian influenza

The farm has been quarantined and the birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of, according to NDA state veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a small backyard flock in Holt County.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the fourth confirmed case.

The farm has been quarantined and the birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of, according to NDA state veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley.

Following USDA policies, the NDA has established a 6.2 mile surveillance zone around the affected area. Poultry producers should be on high alert and practice biosecurity measures to protect their flock. Producers should notify the NDA immediately of any sick or dying poultry.

Other locations of confirmed HPAI cases in Nebraska are Merrick and Butler Counties.

Symptoms of HPAI include decreased water consumption, lack of energy and appetite, decreased egg production, misshapen eggs, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, incoordination and diarrhea. Birds can also suddenly die even if they aren’t showing symptoms.

HPAI can remain for weeks in contaminated environments. It is highly contagious and can be spread in various ways from flock to flock. HPAI is spread by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing or shoes of caretakers.

Poultry owners should report unusual poultry bird deaths or sick birds to NDA at 402-471-2351, or through USDA at 866-536-7593.

Heightened biosecurity prevents the introduction and spread of viruses and disease. The USDA provides resources to help poultry owners enhance their biosecurity.

Knowing the warning signs of HPAI is essential to controlling HPAI. Look out for unusual behavior, severe illness or sudden deaths. Wear clean clothes, wash your hands and clean your shoes with disinfectant.

Avoid sharing equipment and other supplies and keep birds away from wild birds. Disinfect and clean your vehicles if your employees or family have been on other farms.

The risk of people contracting HPAI from birds is low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

No HPAI infections have ever been detected in humans in the United States.

All poultry entering Nebraska must be accompanied by a VS form 9-3 or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI, or health certificate). If you are considering moving an animal into Nebraska from an affected state, please call 402-471-2351 to learn more. Nebraska poultry owners wanting to ship poultry out of state should consult the state veterinarians of the destination states for import requirements.

For more information about avian influenza, visit NDA’s website or the USDA’s website. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found here.