WattAgNet: Avian influenza hits two more Wisconsin flocks

Commercial turkey flock and backyard mixed breeds flock is infected, reports Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

Release Date: 2015-04-16

Wisconsin has two new cases of avian influenza, bringing the number of outbreaks in the state to three, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, announced on April 16.

The virus was discovered in a commercial flock of 126,000 turkeys in Barron County, as well as in a flock of 40 mixed breed birds in Juneau County, the Wisconsin agency reported.

The source of the outbreaks has not yet been determined.

The infected properties were immediately quarantined and neighboring properties with poultry will be notified about the situation.  Remaining birds will be depopulated.  Following USDA protocols, surveillance and testing procedures are underway at properties near the affected facility to ensure the virus has not spread.

H5N2 avian influenza was first detected in Wisconsin at a commercial layer flock in Jefferson County on April 13, which will result in the depopulation of more than 180,000 egg-laying chickens.  Multiple outbreaks of avian influenza have occurred most recently in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota and Kansas, which has led to the depopulation of more than 1 million turkeys and chickens since January.

Stay up-to-date by using WATTAgNet’s avian influenza map to track cases confirmed across North America. Filter the map view by avian influenza strain, type of operation, species, region and date confirmed.