Bird Flu Found In Wild Birds In Wisconsin Is 'Highly Pathogenic': DNR

WISCONSIN — Cases of bird flu have been discovered in several different wild species in Wisconsin, the state's Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday.

The strain, EA H5 Avian Influenza, is highly pathogenic for poultry, the agency said. The discovery comes weeks after authorities announced they were culling a large flock of chickens in Jefferson County after avian flu was confirmed to be present in the flock. About 2.75 million chickens in the flock were expected to be affected, Reuter's reported.

Authorities at DNR say samples of the bird flu were detected in a Canada goose in Milwaukee County, a Cooper's hawk and bald eagle in Dane County, a lesser scaup in Columbia County, a trumpeter swan in Polk County and a red-tailed hawk in Grant County. The strain that was discovered is currently affecting the health of some domestic and wild birds in North America, and was first detected in North America in December of 2021, DNR said.

In response to the discoveries, federal and state authorities are planning more surveillance and testing of birds, according to the DNR news release. Staff at the DNR increased efforts to monitor for the highly pathogenic avian flu, with a focus on birds that are most likely to carry or be affected by the virus.

Avian flu is caused by a virus common to wild birds, especially waterfowl and shorebirds. Not every strain causes obvious signs of disease, and waterfowl like geese often carry bird flu naturally without causing disease, but more rare strains like EA H5N1 can cause disease in some other wild birds or other animals, the DNR said — the rating of how pathogenic a strain is depends on its ability to kill domestic poultry.

The strain does not present an immediate public health concern, the DNR said citing the CDC, and cases of the disease have not been found in humans in the country. Should human cases arise, the DNR said it has plans in place to respond. The strain does not pose risks to food safety, the DNR said, as proper handling and cooking of birds to 165 degrees kills the virus.

The DNR asked anyone in the public who sees waterfowl, waterbirds, raptors or scavengers showing tremors, circling movement or holding their heads in a strange position to let the DNR know as it may be symptoms of the avian flu. The agency can be contacted through email or phone voicemail: DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wi.gov or 608-267-0866.

If you see a sick or dead bird, you should minimize contact with them, the DNR said. Do not touch them with your bare hands. If you must, use gloves or plastic bag and put it in the garbage, then wash your hands with soap and water.