Nebraska responds to an outbreak of avian influenza

6.8 million chickens infected

An outbreak of avian influenza has spread across the United States affecting more than 52.7 million birds in 46 states. Nebraska is the second most affected state with 13 outbreaks infecting 6.8 million birds as of Nov. 27.

The disease is known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and is commonly referred to as bird flu. HPAI spreads through nasal and eye secretions or manure. It is transmitted through wild birds or contact with infected poultry, equipment, or caretaker’s clothing and shoes.

This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in Nebraska since 2015. The outbreak started in March and declined during the summer before cases flared up in September. Farms are taking precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the avian flu, but the disease is difficult to control. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture leads the response along with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Officials establish a 6.2-mile control zone around affected areas according to national policy.

In response to the disease, farms have to kill and dispose of the infected birds in order to limit the spread of the disease. The U.S. The Department of Agriculture and veterinarians typically oversee the process. A preferred method is using a spray water-based firefighting foam to cut off their air supply while the birds are in a barn. If the birds are in cages or the ground is too cold for the first method, the USDA recommends sealing the barns and piping in carbon dioxide. A final resort is called ventilation shutdown, which includes stopping the airflow into the barns and allowing temperatures to rise to a level that the animals can’t survive. This method has received great opposition from animal welfare groups that argue it is inhuman.

The virus doesn’t threaten food safety or represent a significant public health threat. Infected birds are kept from entering into the food supply and proper cooking of eggs and poultry kills any virus present. The nationwide outbreak has led to an increase in the price of chicken and turkey. Avian flu is very rarely transmitted to humans and the risk is only substantiation for those who have job-related or recreation exposure to infected birds. The CDC does recommend avoiding direct contact with wild birds and avoiding contact with wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died (so think twice before holding a funeral for a dead robin).


By: Aubrey Benton

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