Bird flu is discovered in central Nebraska dairy

LINCOLN — Bovine bird flu is now a thing in Nebraska, according to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

The Nebraska and U.S. Departments of Agriculture in recent days identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a dairy cattle herd in central Nebraska.

The Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, working with the National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed a similar strain of the virus to what infected a herd in California.

Cattle are at little risk of death with proper care, and the herd has been quarantined, officials said.

Nebraska State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley asked the state’s cattle producers to monitor their biosecurity protocols and contact a vet if they notice any symptoms.

Dairy cattle experiencing signs of the virus should be reported to NDA at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

The state warned farmers to watch for decreases in hunger and milk production, along with clear nasal discharge, tacky or loose feces, dehydration, fever and lethargic behavior.

Ag producers can find more information on how to handle sick animals at this site: nda. nebraska.gov/animal/avian/ and from USDA at https://www. aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultrydisease/ avian/avian-influenza/ hpai-livestock.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said the threat to human health from infected animals remains low, but has said infections are possible from direct contact.