Dodge County Dairy Quarantined After HPAI Detection

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has confirmed the state’s first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd located in Dodge County. Testing was conducted by the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, with final confirmation provided by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories.

DATCP is responding in close coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other state partners. The affected farm has been placed under quarantine, and any cattle showing symptoms of illness are being separated to limit further spread and allow for treatment.

According to USDA officials, there is no risk to the safety of the commercial milk supply or to consumers, as all milk products are pasteurized before reaching the marketplace. The CDC has also stated that the overall risk to human health from this virus remains low.

DATCP is urging all cattle and poultry owners to ensure their premises are properly registered. State law requires livestock owners to register locations where animals are housed, which allows animal health officials to share timely updates during disease events. Future communications related to HPAI will be sent to email addresses linked to registered premises.

Producers are encouraged to closely monitor herd and flock health and maintain strong biosecurity practices. Signs of HPAI in dairy cattle may include reduced feed intake, decreased rumen activity, lower milk production or abnormal milk conductivity, changes in manure consistency, or the absence of milk in affected cows.

Suspected illness should be reported by following guidance on the DATCP Animal Disease Reporting webpage or by contacting DATCP directly at (608) 224-4872 during business hours or (800) 943-0003 after hours and on weekends.

USDA has also clarified federal requirements aimed at limiting the spread of HPAI, including mandatory testing and reporting for interstate movement of dairy cattle.

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