The Nebraska Department of Agriculture confirmed a case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian influenza, or bird flu, in a wild goose near Holmes Lake in Lincoln. This is the state’s first case since 2015.
“While Nebraska has not seen HPAI in a backyard or commercial poultry flock within the state this year, the finding of this single goose adds Nebraska to a long list of states with confirmed cases of HPAI,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley. “Infected wild birds can carry the disease to new areas when migrating, so we encourage backyard poultry and commercial poultry flocks to continue to remain vigilant, practice good biosecurity and report sick or dying birds immediately.”
All bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. This includes making sure wild birds cannot access domestic poultry’s feed and water sources.
Sick birds need to be reported immediately to NDA at 402-471-2351; the USDA at 866-536-7593; or your veterinarian. Early detection is important to prevent the spread of disease.
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