Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Update

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to threaten wild and domestic birds. In addition to the response to HPAI in poultry in certain states across the nation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are also working with states on the emerging disease of HPAI in dairy cattle. Access the USDA list of detections in domestic livestock. Sign up for updates on H5N1 in cattle from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

DATCP continues to urge all poultry owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their birds from HPAI. ​As a reminder, signs of HPAI in infected birds include:

• 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

There are several ways to report signs in commercial and backyard poultry flocks or to ask questions:

• Report illness in domestic poultry: (608) 224-4872 or by email at DATCPanimalimports@wisconsin.gov. If reporting during evenings and weekends, call (800) 943-0003, choose option 2 when prompted, and tell the duty officer that you are reporting a potential animal disease.

• Report illness in wild birds: Contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at (608) 267-0866 or by email at DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov.

• DATCP media line: (608) 224-4902. Leave a message with any questions or concerns, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

DATCP continues to update its HPAI in Wisconsin webpage with new resources and information about the virus’s impact among domestic flocks. The latest additions to the FAQs offer information about the composting and disposal process.

For more information, resources and updates on HPAI in Wisconsin, visit the DATCP website.