The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced Thursday new cases of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been identified in Columbia, Polk and Sheboygan counties.
DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) say depopulation efforts are underway at each of the three locations.
- Depopulation efforts completed at Jefferson County farm after bird flu outbreak
- Highly contagious bird flu detected in Milwaukee County goose
- Avian influenza confirmed in Racine County poultry flock
Since March, HPAI has now been found in seven domestic flocks across the state. The virus was first confirmed in Wisconsin in March.
According to DATCP, the latest cases were identified in:
- Columbia County: backyard mixed species
- Sheboygan County: backyard mixed species
- Polk County: commercial poultry
“As avian influenza continues to affect poultry in Wisconsin and throughout the nation, we’re reminding flock owners that strong biosecurity is our best defense against this devastating disease,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Darlene Konkle in a statement. “We urge everyone working around poultry to increase their biosecurity measures and continue reporting signs of illness to help us prevent spread of the virus.”
Anyone who would like to report increased mortality or signs of disease among domestic birds can contact DATCP at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends).
According to DATCP, signs of HPAI in infected birds include the following:
- Sudden death without clinical signs
- Lack of energy or appetite
- Decrease in egg production; soft, misshapen eggs
- Purple discoloration of wattles, comb, and legs
- Difficulty breathing
- Runny nose, coughing, sneezing
- Stumbling or falling down
- Diarrhea
