Nebraska Department of Agriculture canceling all poultry events due to spreading bird flu

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Department of Agriculture will be canceling all poultry events across the state due to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

NDA says this order prohibits birds of any type at events such as fairs, expositions, swap meets, exotic sales, and live bird auctions. NDA says the order is effective immediately and will be in effect until May 1st, where it will be reevaluated.

“The decision to cancel poultry events was not taken lightly but is a necessary step to assure we are doing everything possible to protect our poultry producers, both small and large,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “Poultry producers should continue to take biosecurity measures on their farms to help prevent the spread of the disease into their flock.”

At present time, NDA will continue to allow the selling of chicks, ducklings, and goslings at farm stores as such birds are hatched in National Poultry Improvement Plan flocks.

NDA says bird owners shouldn’t allow contact between their birds and others.

If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flock, they should report it to NDA immediately at 402.471.2351.

For more information on HPAI or to report, click HERE.