The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in two commercial poultry flocks — one in Walworth County and another in Jefferson County.
DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture animal health officials are working together in a joint incident response. The affected premises quarantine to restrict the movement of poultry and poultry products. Birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.
The H5N1 HPAI virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. H5N1 HPAI viruses are highly contagious and often fatal to domestic poultry. Caused by influenza type A viruses, the disease varies in severity depending on the strain and species affected. The disease spreads via contact with infected birds, commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment, or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals.
DATCP continues to urge all livestock owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and herds. This includes washing hands, disinfecting equipment, restricting access to animals, and separating new additions to the flock or herd for at least 30 days. Also, consider keeping birds indoors.
When HPAI hits a Wisconsin poultry flock, there’s a 10-kilometer control area around the infected premises, restricting movement on or off any premises with poultry.
To help producers determine if their poultry are located within an active control area or surveillance zone, poultry owners are encouraged to use DATCP’s mapping tool: https://widatcp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html
The Department of Health Services and Walworth County Public Health are monitoring exposed farm workers for HPAI symptoms. The risk to the general public in Wisconsin remains low.
Find prevention information for farmworkers or others who have close contact with birds, dairy cows, or other relevant animals here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/occupational-health/farm-health.htm
