Nebraska bird flu

Cases detected in Kearney and Nance County

The first instances of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, have been reported this year in Nebraska. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of bird flu in two backyard poultry flocks located in Kearney and Nance Counties. Assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Services was instrumental in the identification of this highly contagious virus.

According to the state agency, the disease spreads rapidly among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as through contaminated food, water and manure. It can transfer from one flock to another, especially during wild bird migrations or through contact with infected equipment or clothing. While wild birds may carry the virus without exhibiting symptoms, domesticated birds can become severely ill and potentially die.

State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley emphasized the importance of proper biosecurity measures for poultry producers. This includes reducing exposure to wild birds,ensuring proper hand washing and that clothes, including shoes, are changed before and after handling poultry.The bird flu virus can lead to sudden fatalities in birds without any noticeable symptoms and it has the potential to persist in contaminated environments for several weeks. Key symptoms to watch for include: decreased water intake, a noticeable drop in energy and appetite, reduced egg production or the presence of soft-shelled, misshapen eggs, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, issues with coordination and diarrhea.

With the current situation, State Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara, who chairs the Nebraska Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, expressed his gratitude towards the Nebraska Agriculture Department, the veterinary community and poultry producers for their vigilant efforts in monitoring highly pathogenic avian influenza. DeKay remarked that the recent detection indicates the effectiveness of the state's surveillance program. “I look forward to collaborating with the Department of Agriculture and the agricultural community to ensure we maintain a robust surveillance program for the bird flu virus and have the necessary resources to respond swiftly to contain and eradicate it upon detection,” he stated.

The state agency is urging individuals to report any symptoms of bird flu or unusual poultry deaths to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593. At the same time, producers can access further resources from the state by visiting nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian or from the USDA at aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza.

By: Robert Tengker