The Wisconsin DNR found the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in wild merganser collected from Milwaukee County last week.
The DNR has also received additional reports of sick or dead waterfowl, mostly mergansers, along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha counties. In total, these reports have involved less than 50 birds.
Since mid-December, the virus has been detected in six counties – Dane, St. Croix, Wood, Brown, Racine, and Milwaukee. The majority of mortality reports have been for swans and Canada geese.
“It is important to remember that avian influenza is still present in Wisconsin, and we are seeing it affect birds in isolated areas around the state,” says Jasmine Batten, DNR Wildlife Health Supervisor. “However, this winter’s HPAI detections in wild birds have remained relatively low. The best advice we can give is to remain aware and avoid handling wild birds as much as possible.”
According to public health officials, the risk to the general public from avian influenza remains low. Still, people should avoid handling sick or dead wildlife or allowing their pets to come into contact with sick or dead wildlife when possible. If you must touch a dead bird, follow the guidance provided on the DNR’s Avian Influenza webpage: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/disease/Avianinfluenza
The DNR is interested in groups (five or more) sick or dead wild birds. Depending on the specifics of the case, DNR staff will decide whether to collect a sample. The public can report sick or dead wild birds through DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov or 608-267-0866.
