All poultry-related events suspended in 4 Wisconsin counties due to bird flu

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(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

HEALTH

BY Rachel Ryan Wisconsin

PUBLISHED 11:15 AM ET Oct. 09, 2025

MADISON, Wis. — All poultry-related events have been suspended in four counties due to the bird flu, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced.

What You Need To Know

All poultry-related events have been suspended until Dec. 31, 2025 in Jefferson, Waukesha, Walworth and Rock counties
DATCP said it’s to prevent further spread of the virus
DATCP also encouraged poultry owners to keep their birds indoors to prevent contact with wild birds, if possible

DATCP said it’s to prevent further spread of the virus.

Events such as poultry shows, exhibitions, swap meets and movements of poultry to other events in Jefferson, Waukesha, Walworth and Rock counties will be suspended until Dec. 31, 2025.

DATCP also encouraged poultry owners to keep their birds indoors to prevent contact with wild birds, if possible.

Jefferson County has been largely affected by the avian flu, with another large flock at a poultry farm having an outbreak at the end of September. The farm had 3,078,734 poultry birds and was expected to be “depopulated” to prevent further spread. Another farm in the same county also had a large avian flu outbreak in March 2022.

The first whooping crane died last month from the flu.

Bird flu is highly contagious and often deadly to affected poultry. It can be spread when coming in contact with an infected bird or “commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals.”

Here are some symptoms to watch out for, according to DATCP:

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