10 avian influenza cases in Wisconsin poultry flocks

The two latest cases of avian influenza detected in Wisconsin May 4 bring the total number of birds affected to nearly 1.8 million in the state. 
H5N2 avian influenza has been detected on two additional commercial poultry farms in Wisconsin, this time in Barron and Jefferson counties, according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced today. These two cases mark the ninth and tenth cases of avian influenza for Wisconsin.
Previously, the latest avian influenza outbreak in Wisconsin was confirmed May 3 in Barron County, affecting 16,000 breeding turkeys and nearly 42,000 hatching eggs. 


The two latest cases of avian influenza in Wisconsin:


1. Barron County — 182,368 turkeys in a commercial flock; fifth detection in the county
   
2. Jefferson County — 127,970 chickens in a commercial flock; third detection in the county
As with past detections, each property was immediately quarantined and neighboring properties with poultry will be notified. Remaining birds will be depopulated and will not enter the food supply. Following USDA protocols, surveillance and testing procedures will take place at properties near the affected facility to ensure the virus has not spread.


Nearly 1.8 million birds affected by avian influenza in Wisconsin
The H5 avian influenza virus was first detected in Wisconsin at a commercial chicken flock in Jefferson County on April 13.  Since then, eight additional flocks with avian influenza were detected in Barron, Juneau, Chippewa and Jefferson counties, bringing the total of birds affected to nearly 1.8 million in Wisconsin. 
Multiple outbreaks of avian influenza have occurred most recently in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, the Dakotas and Kansas, leading to the depopulation of more than 15.7 million turkeys and chickens. 
A ban on poultry movement to shows, exhibitions and swap meets in Barron, Chippewa, Jefferson and Juneau counties in Wisconsin remains in effect. Sick or dead birds in Wisconsin should be reported to DATCP at +1.800.572.8981.
See WATTAgNet's avian influenza map to keep updated on avian influenza outbreaks in the United States and Canada.