Disclaimer: This dashboard is provided for informational purposes only. The Jefferson County Health Department is sharing response-related information so the public can stay informed about the Avian Influenza outbreaks and associated public health activities. Posting this information does not mean that Jefferson County Health Department is the lead agency for the outbreak response. The lead agency for animal disease response, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), is the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
For a list of current outbreaks in Wisconsin, please click here.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TRADE, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION (DATCP) PROVIDES THE OVERSIGHT
The humane euthanasia of infected and exposed birds to stop the virus from spreading.
Once the flock was infected, the birds were put down humanely as quickly as possible because HPAI spreads fast and can infect other flocks. This process is overseen and guided by DATCP.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (DNR) PROVIDES THE OVERSIGHT
A controlled process that uses heat from natural decomposition to break down bird carcasses and virus-contaminated materials (like litter/manure) in a managed pile (“windrow”).
The DNR provides the oversight and guidance related to location of the compost sites and carefully built compost piles. Those piles heat up and the heat helps to kill the virus over time. The birds and sometimes bedding/manure are placed in large, carefully built compost piles. The location of composting is determined with guidance from the DNR. Those piles heat up, and that heat helps kill the virus over time. The piles are monitored with oversight by DATCP to make sure they’re working correctly.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TRADE, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION PROVIDES THE OVERSIGHT
Removing organic material (cleaning) and then applying chemicals that kill viruses (disinfection) on buildings, equipment, and surfaces.
First, crews remove everything that can hold germs, dirt, manure, feathers, and litter. Then they apply approved disinfectants to kill any remaining virus. Cleaning has to happen first, because disinfectants don’t work well through grime. Once this is done, testing is conducted to ensure the virus is no longer present.
CONDUCTED BY THE JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT (JCHD)
Testing nearby water (often private wells and sometimes surface water, depending on the site) to check for any signs that contamination could be occurring and to reassure residents about safety.
Because composting and other intensive response activities occurred near nearby homes, well-water samples continue to be collected under a monitoring plan developed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department, and the Jefferson County Health Department. This ongoing sampling helps confirm drinking water remains safe and allows us to identify and respond quickly if anything unexpected occurs.
CONDUCTED BY THE JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Measuring outdoor air near the response site for things like dust/particles and gases/odors (commonly associated with disposal and composting activity) to evaluate community impact and worker/public safety.
The Jefferson County Health Department is conducting daily air monitoring near the composting site to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs), methane, and other key air indicators. If any results exceed human health standards, JCHD and the Department of Health Services will notify residents and response partners to coordinate next steps.
CONDUCTED BY THE JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Symptom monitoring is the process of checking employees each day for signs of illness after potential exposure to avian influenza. Monitoring helps identify illness early, so staff can stay home, get medical guidance/testing if appropriate, and reduce the risk of spreading infection to others.
The Jefferson County Health Department has a team devoted to ensuring the team working with the infected material reamins safe. We monitor for symptoms up until ten days after their last date of exposure, provide testing if needed, and connect them with treatment options.
To report sick or dead wild birds, contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Switchboard. The DNR is particularly interested in reports of five or more sick or dead birds in one area.
Phone: (608) 267-0866 (leave a voicemail with details).
Email: DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov.
Online: Use the Sick or Dead Wildlife Reporting Form.
Details to include: The number of animals, the species, whether they were sick or dead, the specific location (including county), and your contact information.
To report signs of illness or increased mortality in domestic birds (such as backyard flocks or poultry), contact the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
Business Hours: (608) 224-4872 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
After Hours/Weekends: (800) 943-0003 (select option #2 to reach the Wisconsin Duty Office).
Avian Influenza Response Line: (608) 224-4902.
Safety Precautions
Do not touch: Avoid handling sick or dead birds with bare hands.
Disposal: If you must move a dead bird on your property, use gloves or an inverted plastic bag, then
double-bag it and place it in a closed outdoor trash receptacle.
Hygiene: After contact, wash your hands immediately with soap and warm water.