Highly contagious bird flu detected in Wisconsin as officials euthanize infected flock
A highly contagious strain of bird flu has struck a backyard poultry flock in Wisconsin, prompting officials to euthanize the birds amid ongoing concerns about the spread of the potentially deadly disease.
- JD VANCE INSTALLS CUSTOM CHICKEN COOP AT NAVAL OBSERVATORY AND WILL PERSONALLY CARE FOR BIRDS When HPAI is confirmed in a backyard poultry flock, officials may establish a 10-kilometer surveillance zone, though surrounding poultry premises would not face movement restrictions.
- Officials did not specify how the flock became infected.
- The virus can spread through contact with infected birds, wild birds or their droppings, as well as contaminated equipment or clothing worn by people working with the animals, according to DATCP.
H5N1 BIRD FLU CONFIRMED IN AUSTRALIA FOR THE FIRST TIME, MEANING VIRUS HAS NOW REACHED EVERY CONTINENT HPAI, a highly contagious virus that is often fatal to domestic poultry, has circulated among wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021, according to DATCP.
- DATCP urged livestock owners to take precautions to protect their flocks and herds, including washing hands, disinfecting equipment, restricting access to animals and separating new additions for at least 30 days.
- The disease is caused by influenza type A viruses and can vary in severity depending on the strain and affected species.
- DATCP said all birds on the property were euthanized and will not enter the food system.
- The agency also recommended that poultry owners keep their birds indoors when possible.
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