Nebraska Department of Agriculture reports ninth case of bird flu
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Department of Agriculture on Monday announced a ninth confirmed case of avian influenza, or bird, flu in the state.
The latest case was confirmed in a small backyard flock in Dawes County.
The last confirmed case in Nebraska was discovered in April.
According to the state veterinarian, Dr. Roger Dudley, the flock was “humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner.”
Per U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, a 6.2-mile radius from the farm will be monitored to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease.
Poultry farmers in the area are asked to be aware of the signs and symptoms so they can immediately notify the department of sick or dying birds.
Symptoms of avian flu in poultry include:
- a decrease in water consumption
- lack of energy and appetite
- decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs
- nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, incoordination and diarrhea
The disease can survive for weeks in contaminated environments. It can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing any other symptoms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of people getting infected from birds is low. No human cases have been detected in the United States.
Current status of impacted farms
| Location | Flock Size | Flock Type | Depopulation | Disposal Method | Surveillance / Control Zone |
| Merrick County | 100 birds or under | Mixed – Chicken / Waterfowl | Completed | Incineration completed | Surveillance zone released |
| Butler County – 1 | 570,000 | Broilers | Completed | Composting completed | Control and surveillance zones released |
| Butler County – 2 | 400,000 | Broilers | Completed | Composting completed | Control and surveillance zones released |
| Holt County | 50 birds or under | Mixed – Chicken / Waterfowl | Completed | Incineration completed | Surveillance zone released |
| Scotts Bluff County | 50 birds or under | Mixed – Chicken / Waterfowl | Completed | Incineration completed | Surveillance zone released |
| Dixon County | 1.7 million | Laying Hens | Completed | Composting completed | Control and surveillance zone released |
| Knox County | 2.1 million | Laying Hens | Completed | Composting completed | Control and surveillance zone released |
| Washington County | 55 birds or under | Mixed – Chickens / Waterfowl | Completed | Incineration completed | Surveillance zone released |
| Dawes County | 50 birds or under | Chickens | Completed | Incineration completed | Surveillance zone active |
If you are considering moving an animal into Nebraska from an affected state, please call 402-471-2351 to learn about the requirements. Nebraska poultry owners wanting to ship poultry out of state should consult the state veterinarians of the destination states for import requirements.
