LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Division of Agriculture is reminding poultry house owners to proceed to observe for and defend their birds towards extremely pathogenic avian influenza.
Not too long ago, NDA along with the USDA, confirmed a case of HPAI in Nebraska in a small yard flock in Colfax County.
“Whereas Nebraska hasn’t had any reported instances of HPAI for a number of months, we’re disenchanted however not shocked, to see one other case, as there have been a number of confirmed HPAI instances in surrounding states,” stated Neb. State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley. “Poultry producers have to proceed to be vigilant in defending their flocks. It’s essential for producers to know the indicators and signs of HPAI and to proceed to follow good biosecurity measures to assist stop the unfold of this illness into their flocks.”
HPAI is a extremely contagious virus that spreads simply amongst birds by nasal and eye secretions, in addition to manure. The virus will be unfold in varied methods from flock to flock, together with by wild birds, by contact with contaminated poultry, by gear, and on the clothes and footwear of caretakers. Wild birds can carry the virus with out turning into sick, whereas domesticated birds can grow to be very sick and die.
Signs of HPAI in poultry embody: a lower in water consumption; lack of power and urge for food; decreased egg manufacturing or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. HPAI can even trigger sudden dying in birds even when they aren’t displaying every other signs. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.
Sources can be found for poultry producers at https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html as are up to date maps of HPAI instances in Nebraska. Poultry experiencing indicators of HPAI or uncommon dying in Nebraska must be reported to NDA at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.
