HPAI Update: Order Suspending Events in Southern Wisconsin Counties

For more information, resources and updates on HPAI in poultry in Wisconsin, visit the DATCP website.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has issued a temporary order suspending all poultry shows, exhibitions, swap meets, and movement of poultry to other events in 20 southern Wisconsin counties due to ongoing detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This suspension is in effect through May 10, 2026, and may be extended or expanded if additional cases are identified.

Counties included: Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Kenosha, Lafayette, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha. Access the release. Access the 2026 State Order. 

New Detections
DATCP has confirmed HPAI in backyard and commercial poultry flocks in Wisconsin counties this year. State and federal animal health officials are responding jointly. Access the DATCP HPAI in Poultry webpage for more information on detections in poultry.

• The affected premises are under quarantine to restrict movement of poultry and poultry products.  
• Birds on the property have been depopulated to prevent further spread.  
• No birds from this flock entered the food system.  

What Poultry Owners Should Do
Poultry owners and those working with birds are strongly encouraged to maintain strict biosecurity and, when possible, keep birds indoors to reduce exposure to wild birds.

Watch for signs of HPAI, including:  

• Sudden death  
• Lack of energy or appetite  
• Drop in egg production; soft or misshapen eggs  
• Purple discoloration of wattles, comb, or legs  
• Coughing, sneezing, runny nose  
• Difficulty breathing  
• Stumbling or falling  
• Diarrhea  

Report increased mortality or signs of illness following the instructions on DATCP’s Reporting Animal Disease webpage: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/AnimalDiseases.aspx.

Biosecurity for All Livestock Owners
DATCP urges all livestock owners to implement strong biosecurity measures:  

• Wash hands and disinfect equipment  
• Restrict access to animals  
• Separate new additions for at least 30 days  
• Keep poultry indoors when possible  

Human Health
The risk to the general public remains low. Prevention information for farmworkers and others who have close contact with birds, dairy cattle, or other relevant animals is available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS): https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/occupational-health/farm-health.htm.

Nationwide Summary
According to USDA, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed HPAI in 83 flocks across the nation in the past 30 days. A map of confirmed detections is available on USDA’s website.

Additional Resources

• DATCP: HPAI in Wisconsin domestic birds
• DATCP: HPAI in dairy cattle
• DATCP: Biosecurity
• DHS: Avian influenza and humans
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Avian influenza and wild birds
• USDA: Highly pathogenic avian influenza webpage

For more information and ongoing updates, visit hpai.wi.gov.