Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is encouraging poultry owners to “practice strong biosecurity measures” to protect their flocks considering the confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Jefferson County.

The virus known as the bird flu was confirmed in a commercial poultry flock, a recent press release said.

“This is Wisconsin's first confirmed case of HPAI since 2015,” the release said. “The affected premises will not move poultry products, and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.”

Although HPAI spreads rapidly with a high death rate in birds, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the risk is low to the general public’s health, according to the CDC.

Signs of 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; and diarrhea,” the press release said. 

The virus spreads by contact with infected birds, clothing worn by people who work with the birds or equipment.

“Poultry owners are encouraged to practice strong biosecurity measures and, if possible, move their birds indoors to protect their flocks,” DATCP said on its Facebook page.

Biosecurity measures include restricting access to property, washing clothing after visiting birds, cleaning and disinfecting cages, keeping new birds separate from the flock for 30 days and washing hands before and after handling birds, the DATCP website said.