By Blake Jackson
To help prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced a suspension of all poultry shows, exhibitions, swap meets, and other poultry-related events in Jefferson, Waukesha, Walworth, and Rock counties through December 31, 2025. The complete order is available on the DATCP website.
The department urges poultry owners and workers to maintain strict biosecurity practices to protect their flocks. Whenever possible, flocks should be kept indoors to limit exposure to wild birds, which can carry and spread the virus.
HPAI is a contagious viral disease that can cause severe illness or sudden death in birds. Common symptoms in infected flocks include loss of energy or appetite, reduced egg production, soft or misshapen eggs, purple discoloration of the comb, wattles, or legs, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, and loss of balance.
Poultry owners noticing unusual illness or increased mortality among their birds are encouraged to report cases immediately.
Detailed instructions for reporting animal diseases can be found on the DATCP Reporting Animal Disease webpage, which provides guidance for producers and veterinarians.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Poultry