The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has recently confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock located in Burnett County. In response to this concerning development, DATCP has joined forces with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address the situation and implement necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Following the identification of the HPAI H5N1 virus in the affected premises, strict protocols have been put in place to restrict the movement of poultry and poultry products from the area. In order to contain the disease, all birds on the property have been depopulated to prevent further transmission. It is important to note that birds from the affected flock will not enter the food supply chain, ensuring consumer safety. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPAI does not pose an immediate public health risk to the general population. Additionally, properly handling and cooking eggs and poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit effectively eliminates the virus, thereby safeguarding against any potential food safety concerns.

The H5N1 HPAI virus has been circulating in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021, highlighting the contagious and often fatal nature of these viruses in domestic poultry. As a result of this ongoing threat, DATCP strongly advises all livestock owners to implement robust biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and herds from the disease. These measures include practices such as handwashing, equipment disinfection, restricting access to animals, and isolating new additions to the flock or herd for a minimum of 30 days. Poultry owners are encouraged to keep their birds indoors whenever possible to minimize the risk of exposure.

In the event of an HPAI H5N1 diagnosis in a Wisconsin poultry flock, a control area is established within a 10-kilometer radius around the infected premises to prevent the movement of poultry on or off any affected properties. To assist producers in determining whether their poultry are located within an active control area or surveillance zone, DATCP offers a mapping tool for reference. Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and county public health entities are actively monitoring farm workers who may have been exposed to the virus for any symptoms of HPAI. While the risk to the general public in Wisconsin remains low, preventative information for individuals who have close contact with birds or other relevant animals can be accessed through the CDC’s Protective Actions for People guidelines.

Livestock owners in Wisconsin are reminded of the importance of registering their premises as required by state law. Premises registration enables animal health officials to effectively communicate with flock and herd owners during disease outbreaks, facilitating a coordinated response to potential threats. In light of the current HPAI situation, DATCP emphasizes the significance of compliance with this registration requirement to enhance disease surveillance and control efforts.

For further information and updates on the HPAI situation in Burnett County, please refer to the official announcement from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. As authorities continue to work diligently to address this public health concern, collaboration between government agencies and industry stakeholders remains crucial in safeguarding the well-being of both animals and humans in the affected region.