HPAI Update: Order Suspending Events in Southern Wisconsin Counties
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection sent this bulletin at 03/13/2026 11:10 AM CDT
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.
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.
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.