Highly contagious bird flu detected in Wisconsin as officials euthanize infected flock

Wisconsin officials confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard poultry flock in Rusk County and euthanised all the birds. The case highlights the continuing risk to domestic poultry from a virus that has circulated among wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021.

Officials did not say how the flock was infected, and said the birds will not enter the food system. The virus can spread through infected birds or droppings, and via contaminated equipment or clothing. Authorities may set up a 10-kilometre surveillance zone after a backyard flock case; poultry owners are advised to disinfect equipment, limit access, separate new birds for 30 days and keep birds indoors where possible.