KNOX COUNTY, Neb. -- Another case of bird flu has popped up in northeast Nebraska.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture confirmed a case of bird flu in a flock of 2.1 million egg-laying hens in Knox County.

According to a news release on Wednesday, the farm has since been quarantined. It is the seventh confirmed case of bird flu in the state.

Health officials say the infected flock will be depopulated and disposed.

In addition, the NDA will be establishing a 6.2-mile control zone around the affected premises.

The department issued an order on March 26th that restricted birds at events including fairs, expositions, swap meets and live bird auctions.

According to NDA State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley, poultry producers in the affected control zone should know the signs and symptoms of HPAI and notify NDA immediately of sick or dying birds.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, while domesticated birds can become very sick. Symptoms of HPAI in poultry include: a decrease in water consumption; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. HPAI can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing any other symptoms. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.