JEFFERSON COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County.
State officials said the affected premises have been quarantined to restrict the movement of poultry and poultry products. Birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease, and none will enter the food system.
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The H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza has circulated in wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. The virus is highly contagious and often fatal to domestic poultry. It can spread through contact with infected birds, exposure to wild birds or their droppings, and contaminated equipment or clothing.
When HPAI is detected in a Wisconsin flock, a control area is established within a 10-kilometer radius of the infected site, limiting poultry movement on and off affected premises. Poultry owners can determine whether they are within an active control area or surveillance zone by using DATCP’s online mapping tool.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Jefferson County Public Health are monitoring farm workers who may have been exposed for symptoms. Officials said the risk to the general public remains low.
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DATCP is urging livestock and poultry owners to strengthen biosecurity practices, including washing hands, disinfecting equipment, limiting visitor access and isolating new animals for at least 30 days. Poultry owners are encouraged to keep birds indoors when possible.
State law requires livestock owners to register their premises to help officials communicate quickly during disease outbreaks.
