Nebraska Reports More Cases of Bird Flu

By Matt Olberding      

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has reported several cases of bird flu in the state since November, including one in a large commercial flock.

The department said in a news release that the disease was detected in late December in a commercial flock of birds in Butler County. It also said that since November, cases have been detected in small backyard flocks in Keith, Howard, Washington and Scotts Bluff counties.

The department did not say how many birds were affected, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on its website that bird flu cases in Nebraska in the past 30 days have affected almost 145,000 birds.

“While these cases are not unexpected and coincides with the ongoing wild bird migration and what we are seeing in other states, it does serve as an important reminder for Nebraska poultry producers to stay vigilant in protecting their flocks,” State Veterinarian Roger Dudley said in the news release. “Producers should know and monitor for HPAI symptoms and follow strict biosecurity practices, which can significantly reduce the risk of the disease affecting their flocks.”