- Chad Thompson
- Mar 6, 2026 Updated 4 hrs ago
- Bird flu cases confirmed in Jefferson, Walworth counties; millions of birds to be culled | News | wkow.com
MADISON (WKOW) — Bird flu is impacting two commercial poultry flocks in southern Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Jefferson and Walworth counties. The cases were identified on Wednesday.
DATCP’s data page shows 1,621,847 birds affected in a Jefferson County commercial poultry flock. It shows 1,493,596 birds affected in a commercial poultry flock in Walworth County.
The discovery has prompted immediate action to prevent the spread of the virus.
A separate case involving 1,219,988 birds was reported in a commercial flock in Jefferson County in late February.
DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are working together on a joint incident response. The affected premises have been quarantined, and the birds will be culled to stop the disease from spreading, according to a press release. Officials assure that birds from the flock will not enter the food system.
The H5N1 HPAI virus, which has been present in North America since December 2021, is highly contagious and often deadly to domestic poultry. The virus spreads through contact with infected birds or contaminated equipment and clothing.
DATCP is urging all livestock owners to adopt strong biosecurity measures. This includes washing hands, disinfecting equipment, and keeping new flock members separated for at least 30 days. Poultry owners are advised to keep birds indoors when possible.
A control area is established within a 10-kilometer radius around the infected site, restricting poultry movement. Poultry owners can use DATCP’s mapping tool to check if they are in an active control area.
Despite the outbreak, the risk to the general public remains low. Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Walworth County Public Health are monitoring farm workers for symptoms.
For more information on prevention and updates, visit the DATCP’s HPAI in Poultry webpage.
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