The first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza — bird flu — have been detected this year in Nebraska flocks.

Bird flu is now believed to be widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive, state environmental and health officials said Wednesday.

LINCOLN –The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has detected the first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)

This is the first case discovered in 2025 with a second case discovered in a backyard flock in Nance County, according to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Minnesota and Iowa were added to the National Milk Testing Strategy on Jan. 8. There are now 36 states involved in the testing for the avian influenza virus.

State agencies are issuing avian influenza (HPAI) precautions after detection of the virus in locations they manage. Although the chance of encountering a diseased animal—even less of catching or transmitting it—the safety steps are simple and procedures most readers likely already follow.

The nationwide spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, also known as avian or bird flu, has many in Illinois concerned about livestock,

Minnesota and Iowa were added to the National Milk Testing Strategy on Jan. 8. There are now 36 states involved in the testing for the avian influenza virus.

Under new rules, poultry facilities seeking indemnity payments after repeated bird flu infections must show biosecurity precautions

People who work with livestock are at the greatest risk of bird flu. To stop the disease's spread, it's critical that they participate in testing programs and wear masks and gloves when advised. “For those workers, do your best to cooperate with and trust your public health officials,” Landon said.

As bird flu continues to spread across the U.S. and Eastern Shore of Maryland, here's a look at how you can keep yourself and/or your flocks safe.

This latest outbreak is part of a broader epizootic that has swept across the United States, affecting not only poultry but also wild birds, mammals, and humans.