LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Department of Agriculture on Tuesday reported a case of avian flu in a backyard flock in Colfax County.
Officials are warning poultry producers to monitor for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and protect their birds against it.
“While Nebraska hasn’t had any reported cases of HPAI for a few months, we are disappointed but not surprised, to see another case,” Dr. Roger Dudley, the state veterinarian, said in a press release.
The bird flu is a highly contagious virus that spreads through nasal and eye secretions, as well as through manure.
It makes it to flocks in various ways, including through contact with wild birds and contaminated equipment or clothing, the department said.
Officials said wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, while domesticated birds can become very sick and die.
Dudley encouraged poultry producers to know the signs and symptoms of bird flu.
The Agriculture Department said symptoms 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.
Avian flu can also cause sudden death in birds, even if they aren’t showing any other symptoms, and can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.
Poultry producers can find resources, including updated maps of cases in Nebraska, here.
Signs of bird flu, including unusual death, should be reported to the state Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 or to the U.S. Department of Agriculture at 866-536-7593.
