Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (Courtesy of the City of Lincoln)LINCOLN–(KFOR/News Release Jan. 16)–Health officials on Thursday reported H5 avian influenza has been detected in a local wastewater sample collected from the Northeast Water Resource Facility on North 70th Street. Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Director Kerry Kernen says the company doing the wastewater testing, WastewaterSCAN, began testing samples nationwide in May 2024 for H5 from all participating sites, including two sites in Lincoln. This is the first time H5 has been detected in any Lincoln’s sample. There have been no human cases of H5 reported in Lancaster County. H5 was detected in a large backyard flock of mixed birds in Lancaster County in December 2024. “Our disease surveillance systems are always active and provide data and information on a daily basis. In this instance, testing is telling us an H5 subtype of flu was present in wastewater. But it doesn’t tell us whether the virus came from animals, animal products or people or if the detection is highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1),” said Kernan. “We’re working to identify possible sources and further testing will help us learn more about the situation.” Right now, H5N1 remains primarily an animal health issue. No person-to-person spread has been identified and the current risk to the public remains low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with close or prolonged contact with infected birds or animals or their contaminated environments are at greater risk of infection. The best way to prevent avian flu is to avoid sources of exposure. The CDC recommends the following: People should avoid direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with avian flu. If you must have direct/close contact with infected or potentially infected birds or other animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment. Do not touch surfaces or materials such as animal litter or bedding material contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian flu infection. Do not touch or consume raw milk or raw milk products, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected avian flu infection. For more information about avian flu, visit cdc.gov/birdflu.