By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock in Racine County. The affected birds were depopulated as part of the response and will not enter the food supply.
HPAI has remained a concern for poultry owners across North America since the virus began circulating among wild and domestic birds in December 2021. The disease is highly contagious and can be fatal to poultry.
Transmission can occur through direct contact with infected birds, exposure to wild birds or their droppings, contaminated equipment, or clothing and footwear used around infected animals.
DATCP is urging poultry and livestock owners to strengthen biosecurity practices. Recommended steps include washing hands, cleaning and disinfecting equipment, limiting unnecessary access to animals, and keeping newly acquired birds or livestock separated from existing animals for at least 30 days. Whenever practical, poultry owners should keep birds indoors to reduce contact with wild birds.
Following an HPAI detection in a backyard flock, state officials evaluate the circumstances and potential risk of disease spread. Depending on the assessment, a 10-kilometer surveillance area may be established without imposing movement restrictions on nearby poultry operations.
Owners can use DATCP's online mapping tool to determine whether their premises fall within an active control or surveillance area.
DATCP also reminds Wisconsin livestock owners that state law requires premises registration for locations where livestock are kept, including poultry. Registration allows animal health officials to quickly communicate with owners during disease emergencies.
Owners should report unusual deaths or signs of illness in domestic birds, dairy cattle, or other livestock to DATCP. The agency continues to provide information and resources to help Wisconsin producers monitor HPAI activity and protect their animals through effective biosecurity measures.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Poultry