The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus has now been positively confirmed in 3 Dixon County flocks as of May 27, 2015. The depopulation and cleaning of these premises is being handled by qualified authorities. Unfortunately our State Veterinarian has had to limit auctions and movement of live poultry east of Hwy 281 as a result of this outbreak. Chick sales at farm stores has not been limited and all breeder flocks providing chicks to these stores and 4-H projects are still clean of AI. No restrictions on County Fair exhibits have been declared as of this time either. We sincerely hope that the AI will be contained to Dixon County and does not spread to other counties.
For your review, I would like to recommend the following video produced by a turkey breeder veterinarian, which is an excellent overview of Avian Influenza in birds:
http://www.resources.hybridturkeys.com/health/turkey-health
The take home message from the video includes the following facts (taken from http://www.wattagnet.com/174791.html?eid=89986621&bid=1079591#.VWSGRa8NaHY.email
1. While all waterfowl can transmit the avian influenza virus, mallards and dabbling ducks are at the top of the list for shedding and harboring the virus.
2. Small birds like sparrows can be pick up the virus from open bodies of water and carry it on the farm.
3. High levels of avian influenza virus are shed in feces, which can contaminate water or ground where it lands.
4. It only takes the amount of virus that would fit on the head of a pin to cause an outbreak in a poultry house.
5. People and equipment are primary means for introducing the virus in poultry houses.
6. Avian influenza virus can be spread on dust and feathers contaminated with the virus, thus wind can spread the virus, but only as far as the dust and feathers are carried. The “wind” can be supplied by a truck that is moving infected birds or manure.
7. Avian influenza virus survives well at low temperatures. It can survive up to a month in feces below 40 F and it survives very well in water, three to five months at 66 F.
We are no doubt clear of the possibility of this virus continuing to spread in Nebraska. Stringent biosecurity is our best weapon against spread.