Avian Influenza in Poultry
Avian Influenza is a contagious viral disease that impacts both domestic and wild birds.
Caused by influenza type A viruses, the disease varies in severity depending on the strain and species affected. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains are deadly to domestic poultry and can wipe out entire flocks within a matter of days. Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) strains typically cause few or no signs of illness. They occur naturally in wild birds around the world.
The United States if currently dealing with multiple cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1). The disease is a major threat to the poultry industry, animal health and trade.
Note: Avian influenza A viruses rarely infect people. For more information on human health and avian influenza, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Sudden death without any prior symptoms of illness.
- Lack of energy, appetite and decrease in water consumption.
- A drop in egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs.
- Swelling of the eyelids, comb, wattles and head.
- Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb and legs.
- Respiratory signs: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, gasping for air (difficulty breathing).
- Stumbling or falling.
- Diarrhea.
If you have poultry that are exhibiting signs and symptoms of HPAI you should call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 or the United States Department of Agriculture at 866-536-7593 immediately.
- Genome Sequencing has determined that all poultry HPAI cases in Nebraska have been from wildlife introductions. Therefore, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture encourages poultry producers to practice good biosecurity with their flocks including minimizing exposure to wild birds and washing your hands as well as changing your clothes (including shoes) before and after coming into contact with poultry.
- Biosecurity Checklist: English | Spanish
- Manage Wildlife to Prevent Avian Influenza
- USDA Defend the Flock Program
- Big Red Biosecurity Program
Genome Sequencing has determined that all HPAI cases in Nebraska poultry have been from wildlife introductions.
Total Birds in Nebraska Depopulated Due to HPAI since 2022: 7,052,877
Total Commercial Flocks Impacted: 10
Total Backyard Flocks Impacted: 20
*Genome Sequencing has determined that all poultry HPAI cases in Nebraska have been from wildlife introductions.
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Each year the Nebraska Department of Agriculture hosts a poultry photo contest for 4-H and FFA youth. Those photos are used to create a yearly calendar that showcases important information for poultry producers.
Avian Influenza in Livestock
In an effort to protect the dairy herd in Nebraska, NDA is issuing an importation order effective immediately. The importation order will require all breeding female dairy cattle entering the state of Nebraska to obtain a permit issued by NDA prior to entry. The importation order has been extended to August 31, 2025 and will be re-evaluated on a quarterly basis.
To obtain a dairy permit, producers should contact NDA at 402-471-2351. There have been no reported cases of HPAI in Nebraska dairy cattle or other livestock.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is participating in the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy by collecting milk samples from processing plants bulk milk silos in Nebraska to be submitted for testing by USDA.
You can learn more about the program here.
Biosecurity plays a critical role in protecting poultry and livestock from the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
Learn about best biosecurity practices and how to get financial support from USDA to enhance your biosecurity efforts here.