Ryan Patterson
RACINE — A case of contagious bird flu has been found in Racine County.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said it identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock of poultry in Racine County.
The birds were depopulated and will not enter the food system, according to a news release.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses are contagious and often result in the death of domestic poultry, according to the release.
The HPAI, which has been in wild and domestic North American birds since December 2021, is caused by influenza type A viruses and can be spread by contact with infected birds.
Livestock owners are encouraged to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their animals from HPAI, including washing hands, disinfecting equipment, restricting access to animals, separating new animal additions for at least 30 days and keeping their birds inside when possible.
To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, dairy cattle, or other animals, follow the instructions at datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/AnimalDiseases.aspx.
When poultry are diagnosed with HPAI, risk factors are evaluated and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone might be implemented, without movement restrictions for surrounding poultry flocks, according to the release.
To help determine if poultry are in an active control area or surveillance zone, poultry owners are encouraged to use DATCP’s online mapping tool at widatcp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=41c12066a88043288d7ca51abf8fa641.
DATCP urged Wisconsin livestock owners to register their premises, as registration helps officials communicate with flock and herd owners during disease outbreaks.
For updates about how the virus is affecting domestic birds in Wisconsin, and resources about protecting Wisconsin poultry, visit datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HPAIWisconsin.aspx.
HPAI also has affected other species, including dairy cattle.
For resources about protecting dairy cattle, visit datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/AvianInfluenzaCattle.aspx.
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