Wisconsin - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry 2024-2026

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

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via e-mail. (the Press Release does not mention the confirmation date).


HPAI Confirmed in Racine County Poultry Flock

The following is an update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) caused by the influenza virus H5N1.

On October 9, HPAI H5N1 was confirmed in a backyard poultry flock in Racine County. Access the press release. Find information on biosecurity to protect your farm from infectious diseases.

There have been no detections of HPAI H5N1 in Wisconsin cattle.

continued:
WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
From:datcp@service.govdelivery.com

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

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4247

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via email received today 12/1/25

Update from DATCP's Division of Animal Health

Division of Animal Health DATCPanimals@wisconsin.gov | (608) 224-4872 | https://datcp.wi.gov Poultry Biosecurity: Protecting Your Flock from HPAI Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) continues to pose a serious threat to poultry health across Wisconsin and the nation. Whether you raise chickens, turkeys, ducks, or other birds, strong biosecurity practices are your best defense against disease spread. Core Biosecurity Practices for Poultry Owners To reduce the risk of HPAI transmission, poultry owners should consistently implement the following measures: Limit exposure: Keep poultry indoors, when possible, especially during migratory bird seasons. Separate species: Avoid mixing poultry with other livestock and wild waterfowl. Maintain species-specific housing and equipment. Control access: Restrict visitors and designate clean entry points. Change footwear and clothes before entering bird areas. Clean and disinfect: Regularly sanitize feeders, waterers, tools, and footwear. Disinfect equipment between uses. Quarantine new birds: Isolate new additions for at least 30 days before introducing them to your flock. Monitor health: Watch for signs of illness such as sudden death, respiratory distress, or drop in egg production. Report unusual symptoms immediately. A list of frequently asked questions is available to DATCP’s website. Use DATCP’s mapping tool to check if your flock is located within an active control or surveillance zone. Human Health Precautions While the public health risk from HPAI remains low, those working closely with poultry or wild birds should take precautions: Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and coveralls. Wash hands thoroughly after handling birds or equipment. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop flu-like symptoms after working with poultry, especially sick birds. Symptoms to watch for include: Fever Cough Sore throat Body aches Eye redness For CDC guidance on PPE and zoonotic risk, visit CDC Avian Influenza. Stay Informed DATCP continues to monitor HPAI H5N1 and update resources regularly. Visit the following pages for the latest guidance: DATCP Avian Influenza DATCP HPAI in Poultry DATCP Animal Disease Reporting in Wisconsin USDA HPAI Detections USDA Defend the Flock – general biosecurity information USDA APHIS Biosecurity Assessments – flocks with more than 500 birds are eligible to request an assessment Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Division of Animal Health https://datcp.wi.gov

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

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2025 HPAI-Positive Premises
Updated December 9, 2025 8:30 a.m.

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

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wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4247

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Jefferson County


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2026
Contact: Sam GO, Communications Director, (608) 334-0220, sam.go@wisconsin.gov

Download PDF

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) 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.

When HPAI 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 https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/occupa...arm-health.htm.

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 at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends). 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. Wisconsin previously identified an H5N1 infection in one dairy herd in the state last year. The quarantine was released for that farm. 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/News_Media/HPAIConfirmedinJeffersonCounty2026.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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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Dane County


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2, 2026
Contact: Sam GO, Communications Director, (608) 334-0220, sam.go@wisconsin.gov

Download PDF


MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock in Dane 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 have been 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.

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 https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/occupa...arm-health.htm.

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 at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends). 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. Wisconsin previously identified an H5N1 infection in one dairy herd in the state last year. The quarantine was released for that farm. 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/News_Medi...aneCounty.aspx

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March 6, 2026

HPAI Confirmed in Walworth and Jefferson County Poultry Flocks

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection today announced a detection of HPAI in a commercial poultry flock in Walworth and Jefferson counties. Access the press release for Walworth County. Access the press release for Jefferson County. Find information on biosecurity to protect your farm from infectious diseases.

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 Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the county public health departments 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 https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/occupational-health/farm-health.htm.

DATCP urges 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.

To learn more or get updates on HPAI in poultry, visit hpai.wi.gov.

To get updates on HPAI in dairy, visit Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Dairy Cattle.

Walworth Co. https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/News_Media/HighlyPathogenicAvianInfluenzaConfirmedinWalworthC ounty.aspx
Jefferson Co. https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/News_Medi...arch62026.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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Related to Commonground's post #42

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

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What is going on with bird flu?

posted March 10, 2026 - 9:30am

H5N1, better known as HPAI or “bird flu,” is back in the news, with another outbreak reported at a commercial poultry facility in Jefferson County(link is external) and in a backyard flock in Dane County(link is external). The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is working with the owners in both cases to stop the spread of illness. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

The current risk to public health remains low, but we are monitoring the situation closely, and so should you.


Bird flu is a strain of influenza A that spreads among wild birds and sometimes causes outbreaks in dairy cows and poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, turkey). Usually, this flu spreads between animals and birds, but sometimes it can spread to people.

As of now, if you don't have regular contact with poultry, dairy cows, or wild birds, you likely won't be exposed to bird flu. However, because bird flu activity(link is external)DOCX typically increases in the spring, it's a good idea to have a general understanding of how to protect yourself:

• Avoid contact with wild birds and sick or dead animals. For many of us, it’s human nature to want to help. So, when you see a hurt or sick creature, your first response might be to try and help it. Right now, our best advice is to leave them alone. By attempting to pick up or move the bird, you’re not only putting yourself at risk, but you’re potentially endangering the people and animals wherever you decide to take it.
• If you do have to handle a sick, injured, or dead bird, take extra precautions. Wear personal protective equipment, like disposable gloves and a well-fitting mask, and dispose of the bird in a bag and place in the garbage(opens in a new window)(link is external)PDF.
• It’s not too late to get your seasonal flu shot. Even though we’re starting to see signs of spring, flu season isn’t over yet. Getting your annual flu shot reduces your risk of getting sick. It also reduces the chances of getting the H5N1 bird flu and seasonal flu at the same time. Why is that important? Having both types of flu at the same time could allow the virus to change in ways that enable it to spread from human to human.
• Do not consume raw milk or raw milk products. Cases of bird flu continue to be identified in dairy cows.The pasteurization process kills harmful germs by heating the milk to a specific temperature.

If you do work with or handle poultry or dairy cows, there is additional guidance available.


If you have a job or hobby that involves direct contact with poultry, dairy cows, or wild birds, you're at higher risk of being exposed to bird flu. Whether you're one of the 121 current backyard chicken license holders in Dane County, or you work on a commercial farm, take extra care when handling sick animals. There is guidance available on the DHS Farm Worker Health and Safety webpage(link is external):

• What Employers Should Know About Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)(link is external) (multiple languages)
• What Workers Should Know About Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (link is external) (multiple languages)

These resources outline simple steps like keeping germs away through proper disinfecting protocols, limiting visitors to your property, having a biosecurity plan, and avoiding wild birds and pests.

Do you have a backyard flock?


If birds in your flock have bird flu, or you suspect they might, take the following actions to protect yourself:

• Don't touch sick or dead birds, their feces or litter, or any surface or water source (for example, ponds, waterers, buckets, pans, troughs) that might be contaminated with their saliva, feces, or any other bodily fluids without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Wear PPE(link is external) when around sick or dead birds and while cleaning and disinfecting contaminated areas. As much as possible, during the cleaning process, avoid stirring up dust, bird waste, and feathers to prevent virus from spreading into the air.

You can find additional guidance on the CDC Backyard Flock Owners webpage(link is external).

If contact does happen, monitor yourself for symptoms.


If you do have contact with sick animals, monitor yourself for symptoms. Symptoms of mild illness(link is external) may include eye redness or irritation, fever, cough, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, can lead to complications like pneumonia or organ failure.

If you have any of these symptoms after close contact with birds, dairy cows, or unpasteurized dairy products, you should get tested for H5N1 bird flu. Call your doctor’s office before going in to let them know you’ve had exposure to birds, dairy cows, and/or unpasteurized dairy products.

Public Health is your source of trusted information.


We will continue to monitor any new cases of H5N1 bird flu in Wisconsin and will provide updates when we can. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to our blog to get new posts sent directly to your inbox and follow us on Instagram(link is external) and Facebook(link is external).

We also have a webpage dedicated to H5N1 Bird Flu at publichealthmdc.com/birdflu.
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https://publichealthmdc.com/blog/202...-with-bird-flu