Nebraska Examiner Press Release
BY: ZACH WENDLING
LINCOLN — The first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza — bird flu — have been detected this year in Nebraska flocks.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced the discovery of bird flu in two backyard poultry flocks in Kearney and Nance Counties. U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Services helped assist in identifying the highly contagious virus.
The disease spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as through infected food, water and manure, according to the state agency. It can spread from flock to flock, including during migration or contact through infected equipment or clothing.
Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, though domesticated birds can become very sick and die.
“State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley reminds producers to practice good biosecurity with their flocks including minimizing exposure to wild birds and washing hands and changing clothes (including shoes) before and after coming into contact with poultry,” a news release states.
The virus can result in sudden deaths of birds, without showing any symptoms, and the virus can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.
Symptoms include:
- A decrease in water consumption.
- Lack of energy and appetite.
- Decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs.
- Nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing.
- Incoordination.
- Diarrhea.
The state agency asks that symptoms of bird flu or unusual poultry deaths be reported to the state ag department at 402-471-2351 or USDA at 866-536-7593.
Producers can find additional resources from the state at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian or the USDA at aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza.
State Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara, chair of the Nebraska Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, said he appreciates the efforts of the Nebraska Ag Department, the veterinary community and poultry producers to watch out for highly pathogenic avian influenza.
DeKay said the detection suggests the state’s surveillance is working.
“I am looking forward to working with the Department of Agriculture and the agricultural community to assure that we can continue a strong surveillance program for the bird flu virus and that we have resources necessary to respond quickly to contain and eradicate it when it is detected,” he told the Examiner.
