Bird Flu Alert: Monitoring of Farm Workers in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Sheboygan County Public Health are closely monitoring farm workers for symptoms of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Despite the heightened alert, the risk to the general public in Wisconsin remains low.
Bird Flu Continues its Spread Across the United States
The H5N1 strain of HPAI virus has been spreading in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. This highly contagious and often fatal virus poses a significant threat to domestic poultry. HPAI, caused by influenza type A viruses, varies in severity depending on the strain and species affected.
In Wisconsin, the impact of bird flu has been felt with the culling of over 73,000 birds last year. While the virus has been devastating poultry flocks nationwide, Wisconsin has reported outbreaks in only four flocks, consisting of three commercial flocks in Burnett, Washburn, and Barron counties, and one backyard flock in Kenosha County.
In 2023, Wisconsin witnessed the destruction of 308,455 birds across seven flocks due to the detection of HPAI, with outbreaks in Barron, Trempealeau, and Taylor counties.
Preventive Measures Urged by DATCP
The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is urging all livestock owners to implement strict biosecurity measures to safeguard their flocks and herds from the disease. These measures include regular handwashing, equipment disinfection, controlling access to animals, and isolating new additions to the flock or herd for at least 30 days. Whenever possible, poultry owners are advised to keep their birds indoors.
DATCP also emphasizes the importance of premises registration for all livestock owners in Wisconsin. Registering where animals are kept allows for efficient communication during disease outbreaks and is mandated by state law to aid in disease control efforts.
Source: Wisconsin State Farmer
