Latest case of bird flu in Nebraska confirmed in Scotts Bluff County
Bird flu has made its way to Nebraska's western edge, state agriculture officials reported Wednesday.
By News Channel NebraskaSCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -- Bird flu has made its way to Nebraska's western edge, state agriculture officials reported Wednesday.
The state's fifth case of avian influenza has been confirmed in a small backyard flock in Scotts Bluff County. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture says the latest flock was under 50 birds.
State veterinarian Roger Dudley says that the farm is under quarantine and the birds -- a mix of chickens and waterfowl -- have been killed and incinerated.
The department is also setting up a surveillance zone of more than six miles around the property.
Previous cases in Nebraska have been reported in Merrick, Butler and Holt Counties, with a total of 970,000 birds affected in Butler County alone.
Symptoms of the disease in poultry include: a decrease in water consumption; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; nasal discharge, coughing,
sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. The disease can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing any other symptoms. The malady can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.
Poultry owners should report unusual poultry bird deaths or sick birds to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351, or through USDA at 866-536-7593.