With a recent case of bird flu confirmed in a commercial flock in Nebraska’s Butler County, state officials are reminding poultry owners to monitor for and protect their birds.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection Service confirmed the late December case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a flock of about 144,600 commercial laying hens in Butler County.

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Since November, other bird flu cases have been confirmed in small backyard flocks in Keith, Howard, Washington and Scotts Bluff Counties, state ag officials said in a statement Monday.

“While these cases are not unexpected and coincide 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,” said state veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley. “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.”

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through secretions, infected food, water and manure. It can spread in various ways including by equipment and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

Symptoms include lack of energy and appetite, decreased egg production and diarrhea. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments. It can cause sudden death in birds even if they show no other symptoms.

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 showing signs of HPAI or unusual death should be reported to the NDA at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.