In the last 30 days, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in:
- 10 cases in poultry in two states.
- 22 cases in livestock in two states.
Access the lists of detections in poultry and livestock.
To date, there have been no H5N1 detections in livestock in Wisconsin. Access the list of recent poultry detections in Wisconsin.
Biosecurity and Monitoring
With fairs, shows, and dairy breakfasts underway, it’s important to emphasize biosecurity:
- Enhance biosecurity measures and monitor disease in your herds and flocks.
- Report flocks and herds with unexplained symptoms immediately. Use this link for reporting animal diseases: DATCP Home Reporting Animal Diseases.
- To report sick, dead, or injured wildlife, contact Wisconsin DNR at (608) 267-0866, DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@
wisconsin.gov, or visit their website. - April 24, 2024 Federal Order: Lactating dairy cattle must test negative for Influenza A virus at a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab before interstate movement. Access the guidance document.
- Wisconsin Cattle Testing Order: Lactating dairy cattle must test negative for Influenza A virus before moving to fairs or exhibitions. Access the FAQ.
H5N1 Protocol: What to Do if H5N1 Is Confirmed on Your Dairy Farm
DATCP has created a resource document in case of a detection of H5N1 on a dairy farm. The document is intended to serve as a general reference for industry, but individual needs and response actions may differ for H5N1 detections depending on the operation and specific circumstances. Access the H5N1 Protocol: What To Do if H5N1 Is Confirmed on Your Dairy Farm document.
Wisconsin and the National Milk Testing Strategy
On May 19, 2025, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced that Wisconsin would soon begin testing as part of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Milk Testing Strategy(NMTS). With the help from industry partners, Wisconsin has begun sampling milk at the farm level with the goal of testing each farm approximately every month.
In the first week of testing, from May 25-31, 656 samples were taken and tested as part of the NMTS. H5N1 was not detected in any of the samples.
Access the updated milk testing numbers on DATCP’s website. This site will be updated weekly as the testing continues. DATCP expects to continue to be able to utilize samples that are already collected for routine milk testing to streamline the testing process.
Human Health Precautions
Human cases of H5N1 have been reported following exposure to infected animals. Access the confirmed cases and exposure sources for human infections.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) advises those working with animals to take precautions and wear PPE per CDC guidance. Request PPE from the Wisconsin DHS medical stockpile.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk from H5N1 detections remains low.
Additional Resources:
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