(Columbia County) The Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday that the bird flu has been detected in wild Wisconsin birds. Samples were collected from a lesser scaup submitted from Columbia County, a Cooper’s hawk and a bald eagle from Dane County, a red-tailed hawk from Grant County, a Canada goose from Milwaukee County, and a trumpeter swan from Polk County.
The strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza currently affecting the health of some domestic and wild birds is known as EA H5N1. It has caused disease in multiple states since it was first detected in North America in December of 2021.
As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working on additional surveillance and testing. DNR staff have increased monitoring efforts for this strain, focusing on species most likely to carry or be affected.
The DNR asks the public to email or call with reports of waterfowl, waterbirds, raptors – especially bald eagles – and avian scavengers such as crows, ravens and gulls showing tremors, circling movement, or holding their heads in an unusual position. These symptoms may be a sign of bird flu.
According to the CDC, this strain does not present an immediate public health concern and no human cases have been found in the United States.
To report sightings email DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wi.gov or call 608-267-0866.
