Poultry events plucked through May 1

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced Friday, an order cancelling all poultry events across Nebraska, due to highly pathogenic avian influenza. The order prohibits birds of any type at events including, but not limited to, fairs, expositions, swap meets, exotic sales and live bird auctions. The order is effective immediately and will be in effect until May 1, at which time the order will be reevaluated.

“The decision to cancel poultry events was not taken lightly but is a necessary step to assure we are doing everything possible to protect our poultry producers, both small and large,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “Poultry producers should continue to take biosecurity measures on their farms to help prevent the spread of the disease into their flock.”

At present time, NDA will continue to allow the selling of chicks, ducklings and goslings at farm stores, as such birds are hatched in National Poultry Improvement Plan flocks.

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.

More information for producers can be found at https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html or http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.