LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Bird Flu has returned to Nebraska, as the Department of Agriculture is reporting the first case has been confirmed in the state.

NDA says the case was confirmed in a small backyard flock in Colfax County.

Bird Flu, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, has been on the rise again in areas of the Great Plains in recent months, following outbreaks in 2022 and into 2023. NDA is encouraging poultry owners to continue to monitor for and protect their birds against HPAI.

“While Nebraska hasn’t had any reported cases of HPAI for a few months, we are disappointed but not surprised, to see another case, as there have been several confirmed HPAI cases in surrounding states,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley in a press release. “Poultry producers need to continue to be vigilant in protecting their flocks. It’s important for producers to know the signs and symptoms of HPAI and to continue to practice good biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of this disease into their flocks.”