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Wisconsin - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry 2024-2026

[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.​​

Screenshot 2025-09-26 at 10.43.06 AM.png

https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HPAIWisconsin.aspx
 
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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...za/hpai-detections/commercial-backyard-flocks
 
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...e-dies-avian-flu-wisconsin-wildlife-126043368
 
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.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/425324605940570/user/100079204736041/​​
 
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/
 
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-Pathogenic-Avian-Influenza-Confirmed-in-Jefferson-County04.aspx
 
[The outbreaks reported on 9/25 (Post #17 above, 3,078,734 chickens​) and on 10/2 (520,000 chickens) are both located in Palmyra.]


Company Must Cull More Than 500,000 Birds After Avian Flu Discovery​
Oct 4th, 2025​


Another commercial poultry facility in Jefferson County must cull more than half a million birds due to highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection on Thursday announced the detection of the H5N1 virus. The facility is owned by Daybreak Foods and located in the township of Palmyra. The cause of the infection is under investigation.

Regulators are limiting movement of poultry within a 10-kilometer area around the infected facility, which has been quarantined. Birds from the flock will not enter the general food supply.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Jefferson County Public Health are monitoring farm workers for signs of the virus. The risk to the public remains low.

It’s the second detection of bird flu at the company’s facilities within the last week. The virus previously forced Daybreak to cull more than 3 million birds at another site in the town of Palmyra. Daybreak Foods is the nation’s fourth-largest egg producer, with 17 million hens across their farms in the Midwest, according to the company’s website.​

... https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2025/10/...e-than-500000-birds-after-bird-flu-discovery/
 
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Racine County


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 13, 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 backyard poultry flock in Racine County. Birds at the site were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.
-snip-

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_Services/HPAIWisconsin.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 U.S. Department of Agriculture 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_Services/AvianInfluenzaCattle.aspx.


continued: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/HighlyPathogenicAvianInfluenzaConfirmedinRacineCou nty.aspx
 
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​



 
via email received today 12/1/25
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[TD]Division of Animal Health

DATCPanimals@wisconsin.gov | (608) 224-4872 | https://datcp.wi.gov[/TD]
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[TD]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:
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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/occupational-health/farm-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_Services/HPAIWisconsin.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_Services/AvianInfluenzaCattle.aspx.

###

https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/News_Media/HPAIConfirmedinJeffersonCounty2026.aspx
 
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