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Avian influenza

Avian influenza is primarily a disease of poultry, waterfowl and migratory birds caused by Type A influenza viruses. This virus can infect several species of wild birds and domestic poultry, including chickens, turkeys, quail, guinea fowl and ducks, as well as free-ranging and captive wild birds. Less frequently, avian influenza viruses are in rats, mice, weasels, ferrets, pigs, cats, tigers, dogs and horses, as well as humans.

There are many avian influenza virus strains, which are usually classified into two categories according to the severity. Low pathogenic strains typically cause few or no symptoms in poultry. Highly pathogenic strains can cause severe symptoms and potentially high mortality rates in poultry.

Since January 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 has been confirmed in wild, captive, commercial and backyard birds across the U.S. It was first identified in Nebraska in a wild goose in early March 2022. Multiple wild bird species have contracted the disease since then.

Stay up-to-date with HPAI in Nebraska

Nebraska cases

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in both domestic bird flocks and wild bird species across the state in 2024. View the map below for more information.

Make a report

Report wildlife

Report sightings of dead wild birds near where HPAI has been confirmed to your nearest Game and Parks office. This includes mortalities of wild waterfowl, raptors, scavengers (ravens, crows, or gulls), turkeys, quail and grouse, among other wild bird species.

Find a district office
Report domestic flock

Report sickness or deaths in domestic flocks to state and federal officials by calling the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 877-800-4080 or the U.S. Department of Agriculture at 866-536-7593.

Learn more

Bird flu facts

Learn everything you need to know about how avian influenza spreads, which species are at risk and who to call with questions.

Avian influenza has been detected in every state across the U.S. It has been prevalent in Nebraska since 2022.

  • Waterfowl and raptor show the highest prevalence of contracting bird flu, though it has been detected in a variety of wildlife and domestic species, including poultry and dairy cows.
  • Other mammals that prey on dead birds also can contract the disease. 

Avian influenza is primarily spread by direct contact between healthy birds and infected birds and through indirect contact with contaminated equipment and materials.

Although rare, bird flu can infect humans; however, the Centers for Disease Control considers the risk to people to be low. Learn more here.

  • Poultry facilities in Nebraska have been confirmed to have HPAI. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture works with facilities to quarantine, test, and eventually repopulate the facilities.
  • There are currently no bans restricting movement of legally possessed captive game birds into Nebraska.
  • Those seeking to import pen-raised pheasants, quail or other game birds into the state should contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
  • If you have questions about your Controlled Shooting Area or Captive Wildlife Permit, contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
  • All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds.
  • In domestic poultry, avian influenza can spread rapidly and is deadly.

  • There is currently a low risk of an outbreak among wild songbirds. At this time, no official recommendation to take down feeders has been issued unless you also keep domestic poultry, according to the National Wildlife Disease Program.
  • People are encouraged to clean their bird feeders and birdbaths regularly. 
  • Learn more on the All About Birds site.

Take precautions

Waterfowl hunters and domestic bird owners should take the following precautions when interacting with wild or domestic birds.

  • Do not harvest or handle birds that appear sick or are dead.
  • Do not let your dog, poultry, or other domestic birds or animals come into contact with sick or dead birds.
  • Wear personal-protection equipment, such as disposable gloves, masks and eye protection, while cleaning your harvest or interacting with birds. Always clean and process birds outdoors.
  • Double bag the remaining carcass and dispose of it properly; do not leave the carcass behind for other animals to scavenge.
  • Wash your hands immediately after cleaning or handling birds.
  • Disinfect all equipment, including hunting gear.
  • Cook meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit prior to consumption.
  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or coming into contact with birds.
  • If your dog or other domesticated animals become sick after handling or coming into contact with dead birds, contact your veterinarian immediately.
  • Anyone recently handling game birds should not visit any backyard poultry or commercial poultry site.

Additional information

Learn more about avian influenza in wild birds on the USDA’s avian influenza and wild birds page. Additional information also can be found on the USGS National Wildlife Health Center website and the Wildlife Health Information Sharing Partnership.

For upland game bird production, read the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Nebraska Poultry Biosecurity Guidebook Upland Gamebird.

For more information about biosecurity for backyard flocks, visit the USDA avian influenza webpage.

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