(JEFFERSON COUNTY) The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County.
620 WTMJ reports DATCP is working with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) animal health officials.
The affected premises has been quarantined to restrict movement of poultry and poultry products. Birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.
DATCP continues to urge all livestock owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and herds from the disease. This includes washing hands, disinfecting equipment, restricting access to animals, and separating new additions to the flock or herd for at least 30 days. Poultry owners are asked, when possible, to keep their birds indoors.
The H5N1 HPAI virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. H5N1 HPAI viruses are highly contagious and often fatal to domestic poultry.
The disease is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers, according to the CDC.
The is the second detection at a poultry farm in Jefferson County within a week.
