October 6, 2026: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Racine County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2026
Contact: Molly Mueller, Public Information Officer, (608) 910-1929 molly.muell​[email protected]

MADISON - The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock in Racine County. Birds on the premises were depopulated and will not enter the food system.

The HPAI virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. HPAI viruses are highly contagious and often fatal to domestic poultry. Caused by influenza type A viruses, the disease varies in severity depending on the strain and species affected. The disease can be spread by contact with infected birds, commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment, or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals.

DATCP continues to urge all livestock owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and herds from the disease. This includes washing hands, disinfecting equipment, restricting access to animals, and separating new additions to the flock or herd for at least 30 days. Poultry owners are asked, when possible, to keep their birds indoors.

When HPAI is diagnosed in a backyard poultry flock, risk factors are evaluated and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone may instead be implemented, without movement restrictions for surrounding poultry premises. To help producers determine if their poultry are located within an active control area or surveillance zone, poultry owners are encouraged to use DATCP's mapping tool.

DATCP reminds Wisconsin livestock owners to register their premises. State law requires that all livestock owners register where their animals are kept. Poultry is included in the definition of livestock for premises registration. Registration helps animal health officials communicate with flock and herd owners during disease outbreaks.

To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, dairy cattle, or other animals, contact DATCP by following the instructions on the Animal Disease Reporting webpage. For updates on how the virus is affecting domestic birds in Wisconsin, and to find resources on protecting Wisconsin poultry, visit DATCP's HPAI in Poultry webpage.

HPAI in Other Species

The HPAI virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. Since that time, the HPAI virus has also affected other species, including mammalian species. DATCP continues to work with USDA to conduct testing for HPAI, encourage biosecurity, and provide resources to producers.

For updates on how the HPAI virus is affecting dairy cattle across the country, and to find resources on protecting Wisconsin dairy cattle, visit DATCP's HPAI in Dairy Cattle webpage.

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