The Nebraska Department of Agriculture, or NDA, along with the US Department of Agriculture confirmed the 13th case of avian influenza in the state on Saturday, at a spawning farm in Dixon County.
In a news release Saturday, NDA state veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley said the affected flock of 1.8 million chickens at the farm, located about 120 miles north of Omaha, Nebraska, will be ” depopulated and eliminated”.
Chickens walk in a fenced pasture on an organic farm.
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
The state agency will also establish a 6.2-mile control zone around the affected area, as required by the USDA.
AVIAN FLU HAS ARRIVED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, is a highly contagious virus that can spread easily among birds, the NDA said.
The virus is spread through the birds’ nasal and eye secretions, as well as through manure. Wild birds can transmit the disease from flock to flock, as well as through contact with poultry on keepers’ equipment, clothing, and shoes.
The NDA also said that wild birds can carry the disease without getting sick, although domesticated birds can become seriously ill if they contract the virus.
Pictured: A chicken walks around a quarantined farm in Acatic Jalisco state, Mexico, on February 26, 2013.
(Hector Guerrero/AFP via Getty Images)
According to the Associated Press, the USDA reports that more than 52.3 million birds in 46 states have died due to this year’s outbreak.
COMMERCIAL EGG FARM HOUSING 1 MILLION CHICKENS HAS BEEN INFECTED WITH AVIAN FLU
In Nebraska, 6.8 million birds were culled, the second largest number after Iowa, which reportedly had 15.5 million birds culled this year.
NDA officials encouraged bird owners to practice strict biosecurity measures and report signs of HPAI in their flock immediately by calling 402-471-2351.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Some of the biosecurity efforts suggested by the NDA include knowing the warning signs of infectious bird diseases, restricting access to property and poultry, practicing sanitation, and not sharing equipment with other livestock or poultry owners. corral.
