• A highly contagious avian influenza, H5N1, has been detected in a commercial poultry flock in Sheboygan County.
• Approximately 40,000 birds are affected and will be depopulated to prevent further spread of the virus.
• The risk to the general public remains low, but poultry owners are urged to practice strong biosecurity measures.

Officials have discovered a highly contagious avian influenza in commercial poultry in Sheboygan County.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced Friday that it is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to address the issue.

According to the state agency’s bird flu resources page, the number of poultry affected is around 40,000.

The affected premises has been quarantined to restrict movement of poultry and poultry products. Birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.

The H5N1 HPAI virus has been found in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. The virus is highly contagious and often fatal to domestic poultry. The disease can be spread by contact with infected birds, commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment, or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals.

The state agency urges all livestock owners to implement strong biosecurity measures, including washing hands, disinfecting equipment, restricting access to animals, and separating new additions to the flock or herd for at least 30 days. Poultry owners are asked, when possible, to keep their birds indoors.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Sheboygan County Public Health are monitoring exposed farm workers for HPAI symptoms. The risk to the general public in Wisconsin remains low.