By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin's poultry industry faces a challenge, with a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) confirmed in a Washburn County flock. But fear not, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are on the case.
Authorities are working together to contain the outbreak, depopulating the affected flock and preventing further spread. Rest assured, the infected birds will not enter the food chain.
Now, the focus shifts to protecting your poultry. DATCP urges strong biosecurity measures:
- Wash hands: Frequent handwashing is crucial to prevent virus transmission.
- Disinfect equipment: Regularly clean and disinfect tools and equipment used with your birds.
- Restrict access: Limit access to your flock to authorized personnel only.
- Quarantine newcomers: Isolate new birds from existing flocks for at least 30 days.
- Go indoors: If possible, keep your birds indoors to minimize contact with wild birds.
HPAI is highly contagious and often fatal to poultry. Watch for these warning signs:
- Sudden death without symptoms
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Drop in egg production, with soft or misshapen eggs
- Discoloration of wattles, combs, and legs
- Respiratory issues: difficulty breathing, coughing, sneezing
- Motor problems: stumbling, falling
- Diarrhea
If HPAI is confirmed in your area, a control zone will be established around the infected premises, restricting movement of poultry. To check if your flock falls within a control area or surveillance zone, use DATCP's handy mapping tool.
Remember, registering your poultry premises is crucial for communication during outbreaks. State law requires livestock registration, so make sure your flock is accounted for.
To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, contact DATCP at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends).
Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Poultry