An unprecedented avian influenza epidemic struck the poultry industry in the U.S. over the spring and early summer of 2015. It was concentrated in several Midwestern states, with Wisconsin seeing infections in several counties that are home to major turkey and chicken operations. Both federal and state government agencies worked in tandem with poultry farmers to halt and prevent further spread of the disease, resulting in the destruction of more than 1.9 million birds in the state. The epidemic was a serious agricultural challenge for the nation, driving up egg prices and spurring officials and poultry producers to strengthen biosecurity measures intended to limit the spread and impact of animal diseases.
What was the 2015 avian influenza epidemic in the U.S.?
How did the 2015 avian influenza epidemic affect Wisconsin?
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How does avian influenza infect and affect birds?
Which government agencies work on issues related to avian influenza?
What practices are recommended for tracking and preventing avian influenza in wild birds?
Wild birds, particularly migratory waterfowl, can contract and transmit both low and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages hunters and other persons engaging in outdoor recreation to help track the avian flu. (For example, in Minnesota during the spring 2015 epidemic, turkey hunters in five counties were asked by that state’s Department of Natural Resources to briefly present their birds at check stations for tissue collection.)
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is working with federal agencies to monitor for the presence of the virus in wild birds from September 2015 through the spring of 2016. Live birds temporarily captured for banding purposes will have tissue collected for sampling. Additionally, wildlife staff will ask hunters to provide samples from dabbling ducks harvested during the autumn 2015 season.
The APHIS offers several tips to hunters to avoid spreading avian influenza while handling game birds. They are encouraged to: avoid handling or eating visibly sick birds; avoid eating, drinking or smoking while cleaning game; attempt to dress birds in the field, or if not, in a location separate from poultry or pet birds; use dedicated tools, wear separate shoes (or disinfect regular shoes), and wear rubber gloves while cleaning game; double bag feathers along with unused offal and other tissue for disposal; wash hands after handling any birds, and disinfect equipment and surfaces that come into contact with the game; and, cook meat to a temperature of 165℉. Nevertheless, the USDA emphasizes that hunting and eating wild birds is safe.
Anybody noticing wild bird die-offs that look to be particularly large or out-of-place is encouraged to report their observations to local and/or state officials. Persons finding five or more sick or dead birds at a single location in Wisconsin are asked to contact their local DNR office, and if this is observed between May and Oct. 31, to call a hotline at 1-800-433-1610. They are also encouraged to call the USDA at 1-866-4-USDA-WS.
What practices are recommended for tracking and preventing avian influenza in domesticated birds?
How did the state of Wisconsin respond to the 2015 avian influenza epidemic?
How has the 2015 avian influenza epidemic affected Wisconsin’s poultry industry?
How has the 2015 avian influenza epidemic affected Wisconsin consumers?
Additional resources about the 2015 avian influenza epidemic
This report was produced in a partnership between Wisconsin Public Radio, PBS Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. @ Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
