LINCOLN — In late December, agricultural officials at both state and federal levels reported a sixth case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Nebraska for 2024.
The latest case was detected in a commercial broiler chicken flock in Johnson County, as announced by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture on New Year’s Eve. This marks the fifth confirmed case in December alone. Johnson County is located in southeast Nebraska, with Tecumseh as its county seat.
Dr. Roger Dudley, the state veterinarian, anticipates discovering additional cases of this “highly contagious virus” as it has been prevalent among wild birds and both commercial and backyard chicken flocks.
Prior to this case, avian influenza was reported in backyard flocks in Sarpy and Lancaster Counties, a commercial flock in Nemaha County, and another backyard flock in Dodge County.
The first confirmed case was noted in February within a commercial flock in Gage County, according to state agricultural officials. The virus spreads easily through nasal and eye secretions, as well as via food, water, and animal waste.
State agricultural officials are urging poultry producers to remain vigilant and monitor their birds for various symptoms, including reduced water and food intake, lower egg production, the appearance of soft or irregularly shaped eggs, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and diarrhea.
