'Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza' detected in Nebraska poultry

LINCOLN –In the past week, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has detected two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry flocks in Nebraska. These cases represent the second and third cases of HPAI in Nebraska poultry in 2024.

The first case in the past week was detected in a commercial turkey flock in Nemaha County, and the second case was detected in a small backyard chicken flock in Dodge County.

“HPAI is a highly contagious virus that is still circulating in wild birds, and in backyard and commercial flocks around the U.S.,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley. “While we have not had a case of HPAI in Nebraska since February, many other states have already experienced or are experiencing the devastating effects of this disease to their flocks. Poultry producers need to continue to monitor for and protect their birds against HPAI. Knowing the signs and symptoms of HPAI and continuing to practice good biosecurity measures helps prevent the spread of this disease in their flocks.”

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as infected food, water, and manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds during migratory season, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, while domesticated birds can become very sick and die.

Symptoms of HPAI in poultry 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. HPAI can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing any other symptoms. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.

Resources are available for poultry producers at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/, and from the USDA at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza. Poultry experiencing signs of HPAI or unusual death should be reported to NDA at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.