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Wisconsin bird flu outbreak leads to flock being killed to stop deadly disease
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain has been detected in a backyard poultry flock in Rusk County, Wisconsin, leading to the euthanasia of all birds on the property to prevent disease spread.
- The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirmed the case but did not disclose how the flock became infected.
- HPAI is a highly contagious and often fatal virus for domestic poultry, circulating in North America since December 2021, and can spread through contact with infected birds, wild birds, droppings, or contaminated equipment and clothing.
- Upon confirmation of HPAI in backyard flocks, officials may set a 10-kilometer surveillance zone, though no movement restrictions are imposed on nearby poultry premises.
- DATCP advises livestock owners to implement biosecurity measures such as hand washing, equipment disinfection, limiting animal access, quarantining new birds for 30 days, and keeping poultry indoors when possible.
