Avian Influenza confirmed in Barron County

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Barron County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 1, 2023

Contact: Neal Patten, Public Information Officer, (608) 440-0294
[email protected]

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
(DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial
flock in Barron County.

DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are working closely with animal
health officials on a joint incident response. The affected premises will not move poultry
products, and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.
Birds from the flock will not enter the food system. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, HPAI does not present an immediate public health concern. HPAI also
does not pose a food safety risk; properly handling and cooking poultry and eggs to an internal
temperature of 165?F kills the virus.

DATCP continues to urge all poultry owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to
protect their birds from the disease. HPAI viruses are highly contagious and often fatal to
domestic poultry. The disease can be spread by contact with infected birds, commingling with
wild birds or their droppings, equipment, or clothing worn by anyone working with the
animals. Signs of HPAI 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 reminds Wisconsin poultry owners to register their premises. State law requires that
all livestock owners register where their animals are kept. Registration helps animal health
officials communicate with flock owners during disease outbreaks.

To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, contact DATCP at
(608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends). For updates on
how the virus is affecting domestic birds in Wisconsin, visit DATCP's HPAI webpage.

Links for more information on management of backyard flocks are attached below