More bird flu found in com­mercial poultry flocks in Jefferson and Walworth counties

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(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

HEALTH

BY Rachel Ryan and Jason Fechner Wisconsin

UPDATED 2:53 PM ET Mar. 06, 2026 PUBLISHED 9:47 AM ET Mar. 06, 2026

WISCONSIN — Bird flu has been confirmed in two separate commercial poultry flocks in the state, according to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

One of the flocks is in Jefferson County and contains around 1.6 million birds. The other is in Walworth County, with a flock of nearly 1.5 million.

What You Need To Know

The third and fourth cases of bird flu have been confirmed in WisconsinOne of the flocks is in Jefferson County and contains around 1.6 million birds. The other is in Walworth County, with a flock of nearly 1.5 million
This is already the second case in a commercial flock in Jefferson County this year, but the first for Walworth County
In both new confirmations, DATCP said flocks have been quarantined and birds on the property were depopulated to prevent spread

This is already the second case in a commercial flock in Jefferson County this year, but the first for Walworth County. The other flock in Jefferson County with bird flu consisted of 1.2 million poultry.

Overall, there have now been four cases of bird flu in either commercial or backyard poultry flocks this year. All confirmed cases in 2026 have been within the last couple of weeks.

In both new confirmations, DATCP said flocks have been quarantined and birds on the property were depopulated to prevent spread.

The highly contagious sickness has been circulating in North America since Dec. 2021. It’s often fatal to domestic poultry and is caused by influenza type A viruses, according to DATCP. 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:

  • Sudden death without clinical signs
  • Lack of energy or appetite
  • Decrease in egg production; soft, misshapen eggs
  • Purple discoloration of wattles, comb and legs
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Runny nose, coughing, sneezing
  • Stumbling or falling down
  • Diarrhea

Last year, there were five cases in the state, two of which were in commercial flocks and three in backyard flocks. 

More bird flu found in Wisconsin commercial poultry flocks

Also see:

Bird flu cases confirmed in Jefferson, Walworth counties; millions of birds to be culled | Exposing the Big Game

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