Poultry Shows, Exhibitions in Four Wisconsin Counties Suspended Due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

MADISON, Wis. – In an effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is suspending all poultry shows, exhibitions, swap meets, and movement of poultry to other events in Jefferson, Waukesha, Walworth, and Rock counties through December 31, 2025. The full order can be accessed on DATCP’s website.

Poultry owners and those working with poultry are strongly encouraged to continue practicing strict biosecurity to protect their flocks. When possible, poultry owners are asked to keep their flocks indoors to prevent contact with wild birds.

Signs of HPAI in infected birds include:

• 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

To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, follow the instructions on DATCP’s Reporting Animal Disease webpage.

Additional resources

• DATCP: HPAI in Wisconsin Domestic Birds
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Avian Influenza and Humans
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Avian Influenza and Wild Birds

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.