Nebraska Sees More Cases of Bird Flu and Rising Egg Prices

By Gordon HopkinsAn ongoing outbreak of bird flu has forced the culling of additional birds in Nebraska and consumers are seeing an increase in the cost of eggs as a result.Most Recent CasesOn Monday, December 19, 2022, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced another confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), colloquially known as bird flu. This brings the total number of cases of HPAI in Nebraska this year to 15. The 15th farm is a backyard flock in Knox County.According to NDA State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley, the affected flock has been depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner.Last month, approximately 1.8 million birds were slaughtered from a commercial flock of laying birds in Dixon County after a case of bird flu was discovered.Poultry producers should know the signs and symptoms of HPAI and notify NDA immediately of sick or dying birds.According to the USDA, more than 57 million birds in 47 states, mostly commercially farmed chickens and turkeys, have already died this year, mostly from being slaughtered to control the spread, but some from the virus itself. It is the largest outbreak since 2015, when 50 million birds died.The Price of EggsAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of eggs increased by approximately 49.1 percent this year through November. While a number of factors can influence the costs to consumers, including inflation and increased costs of production, the USDA recently stated bird flu is also having an impact, “The ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to reduce the U.S. egg-layer flock, as well as the poultry flock to a lesser extent. This decrease in the egg-layer flock is expected to increase wholesale and retail egg prices for the coming months.”Wild BirdsBird flu does not just infect commercial birds. Nebraska Game and Parks issued a warning this week, “Affected birds have been reported across the state in recent weeks. Nebraska Game and Parks staff have collected waterfowl, including geese and swans, which have been tested for cause of death. Avian influenza was confirmed in several cases.”People are encouraged to use caution until further notice as bird flu continues to affect waterfowl and other bird species statewide. Though the risk of infection to people is low, the public should avoid contact with sick or dead birds in the wild and report them to their local Game and Parks office.The VirusHPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, while domesticated birds can become very sick.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.NDA is encouraging bird owners to prevent contact between their birds and wildlife and to practice strict biosecurity measures. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flock, they should report it to NDA immediately at 402-471-2351.

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