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A highly contagious strain of bird flu has struck a backyard poultry flock in Wisconsin, prompting officials to euthanize the birds amid ongoing concerns about the spread of the potentially deadly disease.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirmed Thursday a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock in Rusk County.
Officials did not specify how the flock became infected.
DATCP said all birds on the property were euthanized and will not enter the food system.
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Wisconsin agriculture officials confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard poultry flock in Rusk County, prompting the depopulation of birds on the affected property. (Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
HPAI, a highly contagious virus that is often fatal to domestic poultry, has circulated among wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021, according to DATCP.
The disease is caused by influenza type A viruses and can vary in severity depending on the strain and affected species.
The virus can spread through contact with infected birds, wild birds or their droppings, as well as contaminated equipment or clothing worn by people working with the animals, according to DATCP.
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A highly contagious strain of bird flu was detected in a backyard poultry flock in Wisconsin, according to the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. (Bernadett Szabo/Reuters)
When HPAI is confirmed in a backyard poultry flock, officials may establish a 10-kilometer surveillance zone, though surrounding poultry premises would not face movement restrictions.
DATCP urged livestock owners to take precautions to protect their flocks and herds, including washing hands, disinfecting equipment, restricting access to animals and separating new additions for at least 30 days.
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Wisconsin officials confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Rusk County, where birds on the affected property were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. (Tiksa Negeri/Reuters)
The agency also recommended that poultry owners keep their birds indoors when possible.