Wisconsin - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry 2024 - 2025

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Hong Kong Press Release

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (April 29) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Curry County of the State of New Mexico and Sheboygan County of the State of Wisconsin in the United States (US), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 12 290 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 1.19 million poultry eggs from the US in the first three months of this year.

"The CFS has contacted the American authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.

Ends/Tuesday, April 29, 2025

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202504/23/P2025042300479.htm

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Jefferson County


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2025
Contact: Molly Mueller, Public Information Officer, (608) 910-1929, molly.mueller@wisconsin.gov


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MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County.

DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) animal health officials are working together in a joint incident response. The affected premise has been quarantined to restrict 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 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.

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.


When HPAI H5N1 is diagnosed in a Wisconsin poultry flock, a control area is established within a 10 kilometer 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.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Jefferson County Public Health are monitoring exposed farm workers for HPAI symptoms. The risk to the general public in Wisconsin remains low. Prevention information for farmworkers or others who have close contact with birds, dairy cows, or other relevant animals can be found under Protective Actions for People.


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.

To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, dairy cattle, or other animals, contact DATCP by following the instructions on the Animal Disease Reporting webpage. For updates on how the virus is affecting domestic birds in Wisconsin, and to find resources on protecting Wisconsin poultry, visit DATCP's HPAI in Poultry webpage: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_...Wisconsin.aspx.


H5N1 in Other Species

The HPAI H5N1 virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. Since that time, the H5N1 virus has also affected other species, including mammalian species. To date, Wisconsin has not identified an H5N1 infection in dairy herds in the state. DATCP continues to work with USDA to conduct testing for H5N1, encourage biosecurity, and provide resources to producers.

For updates on how the H5N1 virus is affecting dairy cattle across the country, and to find resources on protecting Wisconsin dairy cattle, visit DATCP's H5N1 in Dairy Cattle webpage: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_...nzaCattle.aspx.


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https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Highly-Pa...on-County.aspx

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Avian flu forces Jefferson County poultry farm to cull 3M birds

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 at 5:52 PM

Excerpts:

“They started seeing some initial death loss and believe they caught it fairly early,” Konkle said. “We’re working with them to develop plans from here to control the disease.”

Jefferson County Public Health is monitoring farm workers for signs of the virus. To her knowledge, Konkle said none have tested positive for the virus so far.

She noted the nation has seen an uptick in cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza. In the last 30 days, outbreaks have been confirmed at 21 poultry flocks affecting 630,000 birds, according to the USDA.

DATCP is working with the flock’s owners to develop a plan for culling and disposal of the birds.

“We will perform the depopulation with assistance from the farm personnel and farm veterinarians as quickly as possible to avoid spread of the virus,” Konkle said.

Birds at the Jefferson County farm will likely be disposed of through composting. State ag officials have said that’s the safest and most effective way to handle a large number of birds.

https://www.wpr.org/news/avian-flu-j...0remains%20low.

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Bird flu identified in commercial poultry farm in Jefferson County
UPDATED 3:42 PM ET SEP. 25, 2025

Excerpt:

This is the second case of confirmed avian flu on a Wisconsin farm in poultry this year.

This is the largest poultry flock impacted by the disease in the state, since avian flu started circulating in North America in late 2021, per DATCP records.

According to DATCP records, the second-largest poultry farm in the state that was impacted by avian flu was also in Jefferson County. In March 2022, a case was identified in a flock of 2,757,767 poultry birds. That was also the first farm in Wisconsin to have a confirmed case of the bird flu since a nationwide outbreak in 2015.

https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/green-bay/news/2025/09/25/bird-flu-jefferson-county-wisconsin

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Palmyra neighbors brace for second mass chicken disposal as bird flu strikes Jefferson County

Sep 25, 2025

PALMYRA — Residents near Palmyra are preparing for the smell and disruption of millions of dead chickens being dumped in their neighborhood for the second time in three years after bird flu struck a Jefferson County poultry operation.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection confirmed a case of bird flu in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County, requiring the disposal of more than 3 million chickens.

The birds will be dumped at the same location near Zion and Hooper Road where millions of infected chickens were disposed of in 2022.

Lisa Eddy, who lives across the street from the disposal site, contacted TMJ4 when she learned about the upcoming operation. She remembers the overwhelming stench from the previous disposal.

"You walk outside and you wanna throw up," Eddy said.

She described the 2022 experience as unbearable.

"Imagine having like the worst rotten meat sitting in your kitchen for months," Eddy said.

The hauling and dumping of dead chickens could begin Saturday, according to the town chair.

https://www.tmj4.com/news/jefferson-county/palmyra-neighbors-brace-for-second-mass-chicken-disposal-as-bird-flu-strikes-jefferson-county

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[click on image]

State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

How to Report Diseases
Anyone (veterinarians, producers, animal owners, etc.) who suspects a reportable animal disease is required to report it to a Federal or State Animal Health Official. Please follow the instructions on this webpage.

To report sick or dead wildlife, please visit the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, email DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov, or call (608) 267-0866.

https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HPAIWisconsin.aspx

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/commercial-backyard-flocks

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Endangered whooping crane dies of avian flu at Wisconsin wildlife refuge

An endangered whooping crane the International Crane Foundation was planning to release into the wilds of Wisconsin this fall has died of avian flu
September 29, 2025, 11:45 AM


The International Crane Foundation announced Monday that Ducky, an endangered female whooping crane the foundation planned to release into the wilds of Wisconsin this fall, died on Thursday after becoming infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, a strain of avian flu.

Foundation officials said in a news release that Ducky's death marks the first time the strain has killed a whooping crane.

Only about 700 wild whooping cranes are left in North America, according to the foundation. Ducky’s death translates to a 1% decline in the eastern migratory population, which stands at fewer than 70 birds

... https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/...life-126043368

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Post #20:

Palmyra neighbors brace for second mass chicken disposal as bird flu strikes Jefferson County
Sep 25, 2025
PALMYRA — Residents near Palmyra are preparing for the smell and disruption of millions of dead chickens being dumped in their neighborhood for the second time in three years after bird flu struck a Jefferson County poultry operation...

Facebook

Wisconsin Animal & Environment Protection Coalition's Post

Palmyra WI And Surrounding Area Page ·
Wisconsin Animal & Environment Protection Coalition · 6h

During this time of another dumping of 3 million chickens mixed with manure in the SAME lot as the last massive avian flu outbreak in Palmyra, we'd like to share that there are now FREE nitrate testing kits for anyone in Wisconsin. Nitrates could increase dramatically at and around the dumping (or "composting") site. Residents are encourage to test their water over the coming months.

Here is the information:
Get Involved and Test Your Own Water
Anyone can sign up to receive a kit of 25 strips to test their own or their neighbors’ private wells, their city water supply, or any lake, stream or river they care about. These kits are completely free of charge.
>> Click here to fill out the form and get your FREE Nitrate Watch test kit of 25 water sample strips.

• Testing is easy and quick. View a short how-to video about testing your water sample here.

• List Wisconsin’s Green Fire as your organization when you sign up so we can summarize the data from all around the state. https://wigreenfire.org/nitratewatch/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/4253...4736041/

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Palmyra Area Egg Farm to “Depopulate” Millions of Chickens Again After Bird Flu is Identified

September 29, 2025
\For the second time in three years, the farm formerly known as Cold Spring Egg Farm, located at W2024 State Road 59, Palmyra, will be “depopulating” millions of hens due to the “bird flu.” In accordance with standard practice, three million birds will be composted in a site owned by the company near Zion and Hooper Road in the town of Palmyra. That process is expected to begin on October 1. Residents of nearby homes indicate that in 2022, when 2.75 million birds were “culled,” they couldn’t stand to be outside, as the odor was strong enough to make them feel sick. Large trucks were driving down the roads from early in the morning until late in the evening. Residents also have concern about the possibility of their wells getting contaminated, although state officials claim that ongoing tests will ensure that the area groundwater remains safe. According to TMJ4, the town called a meeting on Monday evening, September 29 for discussion of the concerns. TMJ4reported on the meeting in this article.

According to the Wisconsin State Farmer, “the farm is owned by Daybreak Foods, Inc., the fourth-largest egg producer in the U.S. S&R Egg Farms was sold to Daybreak Foods Inc. of Lake Mills earlier this year [2025] for $14 million, according to Walworth County documents. According to Daybreak Foods’ website, the company is home to 19 million laying hens at several facilities across the Midwest and employs over 1,000 workers. Daybreak processes most of its eggs into liquid egg products for food service and retail customers.”

continued: https://whitewaterbanner.com/classic/

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[Adding 2nd Jefferson outbreak today]

October 1, 2025
HPAI Surveillance Zone and Control Area Resources


A map of current HPAI Control Areas and Surveillance Zones in Wisconsin is available at this link.

For more information about these zones, including if you're impacted, review this resource.

Click on image

https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HPAIWisconsin.aspx

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Jefferson County


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2025
Contact: Molly Mueller, Public Information Officer, (608) 910-1929, molly.mueller@wisconsin.gov

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County.

DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) animal health officials are working together in a joint incident response. The affected premises has been quarantined to restrict 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 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.

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.

continued: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Highly-Pa...-County04.aspx

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/commercial-backyard-flocks