Avian influenza outbreaks in Wisconsin poultry

Highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected at a commercial poultry farm in Barron County, Wisconsin, affecting over 79,000 birds near Rice Lake. Following the report of increased mortality rates, the affected birds were culled, and state officials from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) began managing disposal. This incident follows several other cases in Wisconsin during 2026.

By late September, officials confirmed the first fall case of HPAI at a turkey farm in the same Rice Lake area. Authorities are coordinating with the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the Department of Animal Health to manage surveillance, testing, depopulation, and sanitation.

Concerns have been raised regarding increased transmission risks due to fall bird migration. Additionally, officials are monitoring the cattle supply, noting that the H5N1 strain has been reported in lactating cows in other states, which poses a potential risk to Wisconsin farmers who transport calves to Texas.