Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wisconsin

As highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to threaten wild and domestic birds, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) reminds poultry owners to practice strong biosecurity and report signs of illness among their flocks.

This year, HPAI has been found in domestic poultry in two Wisconsin counties, most recently in Trempealeau County.

There are several ways to report signs of HPAI 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.

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

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.