A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in a backyard flock in Saunders County.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service announced the bird flu discovery Thursday. The contagious virus spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as infected food, water and manure.

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It can spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds during migratory season, through contact with infected poultry, and by equipment and clothes of caretakers.

Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, while domesticated birds can become very sick and die.

State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley reminded poultry producers to practice biosecurity with their flocks, including minimizing exposure to wild birds, washing hands and changing clothes and shoes before and after coming into contact with poultry, the state ag department said in a statement.

The year’s first cases of bird flu were announced January 30 in two backyard poultry flocks in Kearney and Nance Counties.

Signs of the HPAI virus in birds include: a decrease in water intake; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing; incoordination and diarrhea.

HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.

State ag officials said unusual poultry deaths or signs of the virus should be reported to the NDA, 402-471-2351, or the USDA, 866-536-7593.

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