Bird flu detected in goose at Holmes Lake in Lincoln

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture says this is the state's first confirmed case since 2015.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of bird flu in a wild goose at Holmes Lake.

The department says this is the state’s first confirmed case of H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) since 2015.

“While Nebraska has not seen HPAI in a backyard or commercial poultry flock within the state this year, the finding of this single goose adds Nebraska to a long list of states with confirmed cases of HPAI,” said Dr. Roger Dudley, the state veterinarian.  “Infected wild birds can carry the disease to new areas when migrating, so we encourage backyard poultry and commercial poultry flocks to continue to remain vigilant, practice good biosecurity and report sick or dying birds immediately.”

Symptoms of HPAI in poultry include a decrease in water consumption, lack of energy and appetite and decreased egg production, according to NDA.  HPAI can also cause sudden death in birds even if they don’t show symptoms.

Poultry owners are asked to call NDA at 402-471-2351 to report unusual bird deaths or sick birds.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the risk of people getting HPAI from birds is low.  No human cases have been detected in the United States.