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?
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
Many state and federal agencies deal with avian influenza and its effect on agriculture, the economy and human health, and have developed a series of resources and guides addressing the disease and both the latest news and research about it.
Additionally, the 2015 epidemic was the subject of coverage by trade and public media outlets in the affected states and elsewhere. Links to useful reporting and resources follow.
Wisconsin Public Television
“University Place”: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection assistant state veterinarian Darlene Konkle discusses how the agency responded to the epidemic. Watch and learn more
“University Place”: Barron County public health officer Kelli Engen and UW-Extension Barron County agricultural agent Tim Jergenson discuss the epidemic with a focus on the turkey industry in northwestern Wisconsin. Watch and learn more
“Here and Now”: An interview with UW Extension poultry specialist Ron Kean on April 24, 2015: Watch and learn more
Additional Trade, Public Media Coverage
The Poultry Site: Coverage of avian flu in the United States
Minnesota Public Radio: Bird flu in Minnesota’s poultry farms: Why you should care
Minnesota Public Radio: Complete coverage of the epidemic in that state and nationally: Read more
Harvest Public Media: What you need to know about the avian flu
State Resources
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: Avian influenza resources
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: 6 ways to protect your birds
University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension: Wisconsin poultry resources
University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension: Biosecurity tips
University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension: Avian influenza presentation
University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension and UW-Madison College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ag-Podcast: Recapping the Avian Flu Outbreak
University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy: Avian influenza: Agricultural and wildlife considerations
Federal Resources
U.S. Department of Agriculture: Avian influenza resources
U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Avian influenza information on biosecurity, monitoring and response protocols
U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Disease Preparedness and Response Plan
U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Epidemiologic and other analyses of highly pathogenic avian influenza poultry flocks–July 15, 2015 report
U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center: Avian influenza updates, surveillance information and resources
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: H5 viruses in the United States
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.
