News

Work continues at Wisconsin farm impacted by avian influenza

Wisconsin officials are continuing to work with a Jefferson County egg producer whose flock became infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection says this is the only case in the state, and nearly three million hens are being depopulated and composted on property owned by the farm. 

The department has distributed information about the process to the farm’s neighbors, and they are urging others near the farm not to bring in new poultry to their backyard flocks without a permit.  The permit is required within the 10-kilometer control zone around the affected farm.  Poultry owners are urged to keep their flocks indoors and away from water sources than can be used by wild birds, which carry the virus.

Several states have reported H5N1 high-path avian influenza cases this spring. There is no risk to human health, but the disease is deadly for poultry. Wisconsin DATCP has created a webpage with the latest updates on controlling the disease.