Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1)
In the last 30 days, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in:
- 97 cases in poultry in 21 states.
- One case in livestock in one state.
Access the lists of detections in poultry and livestock.
To date, there have been no H5N1 detections in livestock other than poultry in Wisconsin. Access the list of recent poultry detections in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin and the National Milk Testing Strategy
With help from industry partners, Wisconsin is sampling milk at the farm level for the mandatory USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS). When Wisconsin began NMTS testing in May 2025, the goal was to test each farm approximately every month. Wisconsin achieved unaffected Gold Status under the NMTS in September 2025.
As of October 1, 2025, Wisconsin transitioned to 50% reduced testing frequency while maintaining the state's commitment to ongoing surveillance pursuant to the NMTS. DATCP continues to utilize milk samples that are already collected through existing, routine sampling to streamline the NMTS testing process.
Access the updated November 23-29, 2025 milk testing numbers on DATCP's website. To date, more than 23,000 milk samples have been tested as part of the NMTS. H5N1 has not been detected in any of the PCR tests. These tests represent nearly all licensed dairies in Wisconsin, with continuing verifications underway to ensure complete statewide reach. The DATCP H5N1 in Dairy Cattle webpage will continue to be updated weekly as the testing continues.
Biosecurity and Monitoring
It is important to remain vigilant and utilize enhanced biosecurity measures.
H5N1 Protocol: What to Do if H5N1 Is Confirmed on Your Dairy Farm
DATCP created a resource document in case of a detection of H5N1 on a dairy farm. The document is intended to serve as a general reference for industry, but individual needs and response actions may differ for H5N1 detections depending on the operation and specific circumstances. Access the H5N1 Protocol: What to Do if H5N1 Is Confirmed on Your Dairy Farm document.
Human Health Precautions
Human cases of H5N1 have been reported following exposure to infected animals. Access the confirmed cases and exposure sources for human infections.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) advises those working with animals to take precautions and wear PPE per CDC guidance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk from H5N1 detections remains low.
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