The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Sheboygan County Public Health are monitoring exposed farm workers for HPAI symptoms. The risk to the general public in Wisconsin remains low.
Bird flu continues to spread throughout the U.S.
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 can be spread by contact with infected birds, commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment, or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals.
Last year, 73,169 birds were depopulated in Wisconsin due to the virus. While bird flu has been sweeping through poultry flocks across the U.S. this year, Wisconsin recorded the disease in just four flocks, three commercial flocks in Burnett, Washburn and Barron counties and one backyard flock in Kenosha County.
In 2023, 308,455 birds were destroyed when the bird flu virus was detected in six Wisconsin commercial flocks located in Barron and Trempealeau counties and one backyard flock in Taylor County.
DATCP continues to urge all livestock owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and herds from the disease. This includes washing hands, disinfecting equipment, restricting access to animals, and separating new additions to the flock or herd for at least 30 days. Poultry owners are asked, when possible, to keep their birds indoors.
DATCP reminds Wisconsin livestock owners to register their premises. State law requires that all livestock owners register where their animals are kept. Registration helps animal health officials communicate with flock and herd owners during disease outbreaks.
Source: Wisconsin State Farmer
