Nebraska poultry farmers warned of bird flu
The virus has the ability to spread rapidly and is extremely fatal to chickens.
JULIAN, Neb. (KLKN) — The avian bird flu outbreak in Iowa announced on Wednesday has caused panic among poultry farmers.
The virus has the ability to spread rapidly and is extremely fatal to chickens.
The disease can spread from wild birds that migrate from flock to flock across the country.
A poultry farmer in Julian, about 11 miles south of Nebraska City, said she goes above and beyond to maintain biosecurity measures amid the outbreaks.
“As always, you pay very close attention to the health of your birds, freshwater, fresh feed — a good high-quality feed is important — and … just the biosecurity is as important as anything.”
A disease that is as deadly and spreads as fast as the bird flu can cost poultry farmers an entire flock of chickens.
“Like many other commercial poultry operations across the country, we are taking every precaution to prevent HPAI from connecting with any of our commercial operations,” said Jessica Kolterman, director of administration at Lincoln Premium Poultry. “We have increased biosecurity, restricted visitors and guests, continue testing and monitoring of all of our flocks, and have met with local and federal agencies to ensure full compliance with all safety measures. We will continue to work with our farmer partners, our contractors, and our team members to answer questions and provide regular information on best practices for preventing the spread of HPAI.”
At this time, poultry farmers are encouraged by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take precautions for their birds by keeping their distance, keeping themselves and equipment clean, and knowing the warning signs of the flu.
