Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was recently detected in three poultry facilities in New York. These are the first confirmed poultry cases of HPAI in the U.S. in over two months. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reminds poultry owners to remain vigilant in practicing proper flock biosecurity.
Biosecurity guides and other resources are available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Defend the Flock Program: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/defend-the-flock-program
Last year in Wisconsin, 29 domestic flocks in 18 counties had avian flu. Since this outbreak began in the spring of 2022, HPAI impacted more than 800 flocks in 47 states. It resulted in the deaths of more than 58 million birds.
Avian flu detections can affect movement of birds into Wisconsin.
- Poultry purchased from sources located within designated HPAI control areas will require an approved import permit to enter Wisconsin.
- People accepting shipments of live birds from control areas may need to perform additional steps to ensure their flocks remain safe, up to and including quarantining their flocks.
DATCP strongly recommends you personally contact hatcheries and poultry dealers and ask about their status prior to purchasing birds.
Poultry owners who recognize clinical signs consistent with avian influenza, including respiratory distress, drop in food or water intake, decreased egg production, and lethargy or sudden death, should contact their veterinarian or report it to DATCP at (800) 572-8981.
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