By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) in a backyard poultry flock in Racine County. To prevent the virus from spreading further, the affected birds have been depopulated.
H5N1 is a highly contagious strain of avian influenza caused by influenza type A viruses. It can be fatal to domestic poultry and is transmitted through direct contact with infected birds, interaction with wild birds or their droppings, or contaminated equipment, clothing, and footwear.
DATCP is strongly encouraging all poultry and livestock owners to enhance their biosecurity practices. Recommended measures include frequent handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting equipment, limiting access to animals, and quarantining new animals for at least 30 days. Whenever possible, poultry should be housed indoors to reduce exposure to wild birds.
When HPAI H5N1 is detected in a backyard flock, DATCP evaluates risk factors and may establish a 10-kilometer surveillance zone. This zone does not include movement restrictions but allows officials to monitor nearby flocks.
Poultry owners can check whether they fall within an active control or surveillance zone using DATCP’s online mapping tool.
State law also requires all livestock owners to register their premises, which enables animal health officials to communicate quickly during outbreaks and coordinate disease response efforts.
Farmers and poultry owners should report sudden increases in bird deaths or signs of illness in domestic flocks, dairy cattle, or other animals through DATCP’s Animal Disease Reporting webpage.
For the latest information on how HPAI is affecting domestic birds in Wisconsin and for resources on safeguarding flocks, visit DATCP’s official HPAI in Poultry webpage: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HPAIWisconsin.aspx.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Poultry