H5N1 HPAI Layer Chicken Farm Jefferson County Wisconsin

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The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial layer chicken flock in Jefferson County, Wisconsin.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2022/hpai-wi

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USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wisconsin

Published: Mar 14, 2022

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Contacts:
[email protected]  

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2022 – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial layer chicken flock in Jefferson County, Wisconsin.

Samples from the flock were tested at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa.

APHIS is working closely with state animal health officials in Wisconsin on a joint incident response. State officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, Federal and State partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. APHIS has materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit available at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources

USDA will report these findings to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as well as international trading partners. USDA also continues to communicate with trading partners to encourage adherence to OIE standards and minimize trade impacts. OIE trade guidelines call on countries to base trade restrictions on sound science and, whenever possible, limit restrictions to those animals and animal products within a defined region that pose a risk of spreading disease of concern. OIE trade guidelines also call on member countries to not impose bans on the international trade of poultry commodities in response to notifications in non-poultry.

APHIS will continue to announce the first case of HPAI in commercial and backyard flocks detected in a State but will not announce subsequent detections in the State. All cases in commercial and backyard flocks will be listed on the APHIS website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai

In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through APHIS’ toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. APHIS urges producers to consider bringing birds indoors when possible to further prevent exposures. The Animal Health Protection Act authorizes APHIS to provide indemnity payments to producers for birds and eggs that must be depopulated during a disease response. APHIS also provides compensation for disposal activities and virus elimination activities. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

Additional background
Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds. AI viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins: hemagglutinin or “H” proteins, of which there are 16 (H1–H16), and neuraminidase or “N” proteins, of which there are 9 (N1–N9). Many different combinations of “H” and “N” proteins are possible. Each combination is considered a different subtype and can be further broken down into different strains which circulate within flyways/geographic regions. AI viruses are further classified by their pathogenicity (low or high)—the ability of a particular virus strain to produce disease in domestic poultry.

 

 

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map update

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[niman]

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Jefferson County Flock

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2022

Contact: Kevin Hoffman, Public Information Officer, (608) 224-5005, [email protected]

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced a confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County. Samples were tested by the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

This is Wisconsin’s first confirmed case of HPAI since 2015. DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are working closely with animal health officials on a joint incident response. The affected premises will not move poultry products, and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPAI does not present an immediate public health concern and no human cases of avian influenza have been found in the United States. HPAI also does not pose a food safety risk; properly handling and cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills the virus.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flock. DATCP reminds anyone working with birds to complete premises registration and practice enhanced biosecurity. Producers are encouraged to move their birds indoors when possible to prevent contact with wild birds and their droppings.

Wisconsin actively monitors for human cases of avian influenza and has plans in place to respond, if necessary. Anyone with questions about how avian flu affects humans can find information at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. For more information on avian influenza viruses in wild birds, or for information on how and when to report sick or dead wild birds, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wildlife diseases webpage.

To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, contact DATCP at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends).

About HPAI

HPAI viruses are a form of avian influenza that has been found to be highly contagious and often fatal to domestic poultry. It can be spread by contact with infected birds, equipment, or clothing worn by those working with the animals.

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

Sign up for email updates. For more information on HPAI in Wisconsin, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HPAIWisconsin.aspx.

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Find more DATCP news in our newsroom, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/News_Media/20220314HPAIJeffersonCounty.aspx

 

• 20220314HPAIJeffersonCo.pdf

Edited March 14, 2022 by niman

[niman]

Wisconsin

Jefferson

3/14/2022

Commercial Layer Chickens

3,000,000

 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-commercial-backyard-flocks

[niman]

map update

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[niman]

HPAI INFECTS THREE MILLION WISCONSIN LAYING HENS

March 14, 2022 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Animal Agriculture, Animal Health, Eggs, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, News, Poultry, Poultry, Wisconsin

Wisconsin has its first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza since 2015.  The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection confirms the disease was found in a Jefferson County laying hen facility.

Wisconsin State Veterinarian Dr. Darlene Konkle says a joint USDA and state incident response is underway. “There are nearly three million birds on this facility, which again is no movement on or off at this point.”

Konkle says labs are still working to narrow down which strain of the virus infected the Wisconsin flock. “It is an H5. We don’t have complete sequencing yet to know if it the exact same strain that has been circulating in other states. that is the assumption we are making so far.”

Konkle urges commercial and backyard flock owners to do what they can to tighten biosecurity measures, and they’re paying close attention to other commercial flocks near the infected area. “This owner, poultry owner also has a couple of flocks that are nearby within ten kilometers so given that they are all in the same system, we are looking at those closely.”

Ag Secretary Randy Romanski says incidents like this reinforce the benefits of premises identification as it helps with response to disease outbreaks.

HPAI was reported over the weekend in Illinois and Kansas, and was found in Iowa last week.

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Tags: Darlene Konkle, Dr. Darlene Konkle, Eggs, highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, laying hens, Poultry, Wisconsin

https://brownfieldagnews.com/news/hpai-infects-three-million-wisconsin-laying-hens/

[niman]

Describing the egg farm as “very large” and home to more than 3-million chickens, Small said there were several buildings on the property, including a row of five or six that housed laying hens.

media had reported that the fire was at the S&R Egg Farm. Based at N9416 Tamarack Road, Whitewater, S&R became the parent company of Cold Spring Egg Farm when it purchased it from Michael’s Foods in 1993. However, the Cold Spring name was retained.

https://www.dailyunion.com/news/editors_pick/blaze-destroys-structures-at-palmyra-egg-farm/article_322c06e1-b088-55b4-b496-c4ee3fd007ab.html

[niman]

HPAI-Positive Premises

Updated: 3:15 p.m., 3/14/22

County	Date	# of Poultry	Operation	Status
Jefferson	3/14/22	2,757,767	Commercial layers	Restricted

 

https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HPAIWisconsin.aspx

[niman]

map update

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[niman]

Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Jefferson County

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection sent this bulletin at 03/15/2022 06:16 PM CDT

Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Jefferson County 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2022

Contact: Kevin Hoffman, Public Information Officer, (608) 224-5005, [email protected]

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection continues to work toward depopulation at the HPAI-positive poultry farm in Jefferson County. Poultry premises within 10 kilometers of the farm are being monitored for the virus and are restricted from moving poultry and poultry products.

Additionally, DATCP has issued a special order immediately banning poultry from any movement to, or participation in, shows, exhibitions, and swap meets held in Jefferson County. The order will remain in effect through May 31, 2022.

Please continue to watch DATCP’s HPAI webpage for more resources and information: DATCP Home Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wisconsin

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Find more DATCP news in our newsroom, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIDATCP/bulletins/30f074c

[niman]

10 km exclusion zone

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2022-03/HPAI_Jefferson01_WI_10k_zone.pdf

[niman]

map update

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[niman]

Palmyra residents worried about disposal of dead chickens amid bird flu concerns

By: Tajma Hall Facebook | Twitter

 

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) --- Concerns continue across Wisconsin after a highly contagious bird flu was detected this month.

The avian flu was confirmed in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County. It's Wisconsin's first case since 2015 according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Now, the dead birds will need to be disposed and people who live in the area are concerned about the method chosen.

Brett and Carrie Walsh live in the Village of Palmyra and say the commercial farm where the chicken carcasses will be dumped is just up the road from their family farm. "They're trying to bury 2.7 million chickens," said Brett Walsh.

The Walsh family says the confirmed case of bird flu came from Cold Spring Egg Farm and they found out from a neighbor that plans are being made for composting the dead birds. "My personal concerns are our water supply, next is the smell," said Walsh. He says he's also worried about other animals being attracted to the area where the chicken carcasses are disposed of.

Brett's wife Carrie says she's made attempts to get more information about the plan. "My first official phone call was to the egg farm," she said.

Carrie says she was not able to get much information so she reached out to the USDA. "They said the egg farm was not able to get the permits in time to send the birds off to the incinerator which is in Madison and is built for diseased birds," Walsh explained. She says she feels like the plan for composting was a last-minute decision and that it was not made in the best interest of those who live in the area.

The Walsh family is not the only local family concerned. They say dozens of their neighbors are also worried. Kimberly Worton lives nearby and says she shares the Walshs' concerns and has a few of her own.

"Nobody from the egg farm has really informed us neighbors all the details," said Worton. She says the main issue here is lack of communication. "It seems like there is a lot that would be decomposing which concerns us for the environment and water," she said.

Brett Walsh says the appropriate people involved could have gone about the situation differently. "I feel like if they would have let us know and educated us on this, we wouldn’t have so much of a problem," he said.

Walsh is now concerned about how composting the chickens could impact the value of the land in the area over time.

CBS 58 is working to obtain comment from Cold Spring Egg Farm and other officials involved and will update this story when we hear back.

In a memo Tuesday evening, DATCP stated it continues to work with local, state, and federal partners to depopulate the Jefferson County farm infected. The agency confirms that the birds will be composted after depopulation and says composting is "the most efficient and environmentally responsible method for disposal of bird carcasses.

The DATCP memo went on to say: 

"Compost piles will be constructed in a manner that includes a thick cover of compost carbon on top and underneath the carcasses. Encasing and topping the carcasses with at least one foot of the carbon layer encourages the higher temperatures that speed decomposition, absorbs odors, and provides additional protection against water penetrating to the area of the windrow where the chickens have been placed. The selected compost site, which is owned by the producer, has sufficient area and meets the locational criteria for a compost site to avoid groundwater contamination."

https://www.cbs58.com/news/palmyra-residents-worried-about-disposal-of-dead-chickens-amid-bird-flu-concerns