Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza identified in Dawson County flock

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced Monday that a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a backyard flock in Dawson County.

A press release from the department stated the case brings the total number of Nebraska flocks impacted by HPAI to four backyard flocks affecting approximately 219 birds so far in 2025.

State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley reminded poultry producers to practice good biosecurity with their flocks, including minimizing exposure to wild birds and washing hands and changing clothes (including shoes) before and after coming into contact with poultry.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as infected food, water, and manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds during migratory season, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

The press release added that wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, while domesticated birds can become very sick and die.

Symptoms of HPAI 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. HPAI can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing any other symptoms. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.