Veterinarians are legally required to report suspected cases of certain diseases to either the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Some of these are foreign animal diseases that we have never had in the United States, such as H5N1, the dangerous strain of avian influenza that's been found in Asia, Europe and Africa, or that we previously eradicated, like foot and mouth disease. Others are diseases that we are attempting to eradicate, such as pseudorabies and bovine tuberculosis.
When veterinarians report these diseases, a state or federal veterinarian will investigate and, if necessary, submit samples to either the U.S. Veterinary Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, or to Plum Island Research Center in New York (for suspected foreign animal diseases). Until test results are available, the premises are likely to be quarantined.
How to report diseases
Veterinarians, when you call in because you suspect a reportable disease, do not leave messages on a machine, or with a spouse or child if calling a home office. If you do not reach a veterinarian at one number, go through the list of telephone numbers below until you do.
To report a disease, contact DATCP using one of the methods below that will ensure the report will reach DATCP within the time limit:
- Phone:
- (608) 224-4872, Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- A district veterinarian
- After-hours
- 1-800-943-0003: Wisconsin Emergency Management; tell the duty officer you are reporting a potential disease
- (608) 516-9121: Wisconsin Assistant State Veterinarian
- Email: DATCPAnimalImports@wisconsin.gov
- Fax: (608) 224-4871