Milana Doné
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard poultry flock in Racine County.
The DATCP reported eight infected poultry in Franksville. Birds at the site were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease, according to a DATCP news release.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (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 HPAI H5N1 virus has circulated in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. Since that time, the H5N1 virus also has affected other species, including mammals. To date, Wisconsin has not identified an H5N1 infection in dairy herds in the state.
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.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the threat to the general public remains low as there is currently no known person-to-person spread.
The DATCP urges all livestock owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and herds from the disease, including 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 backyard poultry flock, risk factors are evaluated and a 6.2 mile surveillance zone may be implemented, without movement restrictions for surrounding poultry premises, according to the DATCP.
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.
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 about how the virus is affecting domestic birds in Wisconsin, and to find resources on protecting Wisconsin poultry, visit DATCP’s HPAI in Poultry webpage.
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