Animal Diseases

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza, popularly called “bird flu,” has been making its way around the world and is expected to be found this year in North America among migrating waterfowl that have mingled with birds from infected areas. The particular type of avian influenza that is in the news is technically called high-pathogenicity H5N1. There are many other strains of avian influenza as well.

Humans in close direct contact with sick birds have become sick as well, but the disease has not become one that is transmitted between humans – that would be the pandemic we keep hearing about.

Wisconsin, like other states, has been preparing for the possibility of finding the disease in wild birds, domestic poultry, or humans if the fear of its changing to a human disease is realized. Here at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, our role is to watch for the disease among domestic poultry and farm-raised game birds, and to contain it if it should appear.

Poultry Health

Avian Influenza and Wisconsin Agriculture: Fast Facts (4 page PDF)

USDA Poultry Disease Information

USDA BioSecurity Information for Birds

Poultry Diseases Quick Guide

American Poultry Association

Wildlife Health

Avian Influenza and Wisconsin Wildlife

Human Health

Avian Influenza and Wisconsin's Public Health

Federal Clearinghouse for Pandemic Information

Testing

Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

For More Information Contact:

Dr. Darlene Konkle
(608) 224-4902
darlene.konkle@wisconsin.gov

United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Safeguarding American Agriculture

This material was made possible, in part, by a Cooperative Agreement from the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). It may not necessarily express APHIS' view.