The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial flock of 570,000 broilers in Butler County.
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, 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.
“Having a second farm in Nebraska confirmed to have HPAI is unfortunate, but not completely unexpected,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “NDA will use all the resources at our disposal, in coordination with our federal partners to manage a quick response.”
According to NDA State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley, since the initial threat of HPAI in the United States, the farm has increased its biosecurity and heightened its observational testing upon noticing a larger than normal death loss, immediately quarantined their facility and contacted NDA.
The farm is under NDA quarantine and the birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner. Additionally, NDA will be establishing a 6.2-mile control zone around the infected premises. Premises with poultry that fall within that control zone will not be allowed to move birds or poultry products on or off their premises without permission from NDA. These producers should also know the signs and symptoms of HPAI and notify NDA immediately of
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