News

Two more H5N2 cases in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says the H5N2 virus has been confirmed in a 126,000-turkey flock in Barron County and a backyard flock of 40 mixed birds in Juneau County.

The properties were immediately quarantined and neighboring properties with poultry notified.  Remaining birds will be depopulated and will not enter the food supply.

On Monday the virus was confirmed in a 180,000-laying-hen operation in Jefferson County.

Officials are investigating how the infections occurred but it is most likely from migrating birds.  The three Wisconsin locations are geographically quite distant from each other: Jefferson County is in southeastern Wisconsin, Juneau County is in the center of the state and Barron County is in northwestern Wisconsin.

State Veterinarian Dr. Paul McGraw is advising poultry owners to practice good biosecurity and to take steps that prevent contact between their birds and wild birds.  They also should monitor their flock closely and report any sick or dead birds to DATCP

The virus poses little or no threat to human health, eggs and poultry are safe to eat as long as they are properly cooked.