HPAI Confirmed in Kenosha County Poultry Flock

DATCPanimals@wisconsin.gov | (608) 224-4872 | datcp.wi.gov  

HPAI Confirmed in Kenosha County Poultry Flock

The following is an update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) caused by the influenza virus H5N1.  

On December 18, DATCP announced a case of HPAI H5N1 in a backyard poultry flock in Kenosha County. Access the press release. Find information on biosecurity to protect your farm from infectious diseases.

Also on December 18, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced a presumptive positive human case of HPAI H5N1. Access the press release. DATCP and DHS continue to work together to provide information on personal protective equipment (PPE). DHS advises those working with animals to take precautions and wear PPE per CDC guidance. Producers and processors can request PPE from the DHS medical stockpile. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk from H5N1 detections remains low. 

The H5N1 virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. Since that time, the H5N1 virus has also affected other species, including mammalian species. A specific genotype of H5N1 virus was first detected in dairy cattle earlier this year in Texas. In the past 30 days, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed the presence of H5N1 in 315 dairy herds in three states. To date, Wisconsin has not identified an H5N1 infection in a dairy herd in the state, and the specific genotype affecting dairy cattle in other states has not been identified in Wisconsin. DATCP continues to work with USDA to conduct testing for H5N1, encourage biosecurity, and provide resources to producers.

Biosecurity and Monitoring

• Producers should continue to enhance biosecurity and monitor disease in their herds.
  • Access resources for cattle, poultry, and swine biosecurity practices.
• Report herds with unexplained symptoms to DATCP at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends).

April 24 Federal Order

• Lactating dairy cattle must test negative for Influenza A virus at a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab before interstate movement.
• A subset of 30 cows must be tested for groups moving together.
• Access the April 24 Federal Testing Order.
• Access the federal guidance.

Wisconsin Requirements

• Lactating dairy cattle must test negative for Influenza A virus before moving to fairs or exhibitions.
• Access the Wisconsin Cattle Testing Order.
• Access the FAQ.

Human Health Precautions

• Human cases of H5N1 have been reported following exposure to dairy cattle.
  • Access the confirmed cases and exposure sources for human infections.
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) advises those working with animals to take precautions and wear PPE per CDC guidance.
  • Request PPE from Wisconsin DHS medical stockpile.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk from H5N1 detections remains low.

Food Safety

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA continue to emphasize that the commercial milk supply is safe because of the pasteurization process.
• USDA is also confident that the meat supply is safe.

Resources:

• DATCP HPAI (H5N1) in Poultry
• DATCP H5N1 in Dairy Cattle
• Biosecurity Resources for Events
• USDA Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP)
• USDA Expanded Support for Affected and Unaffected Producers
• USDA Dairy Herd Status Program