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DNR reports ongoing detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds; public told to avoid contact
Summary
Wildlife health staff told the Natural Resources Board that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 outbreak detected in Wisconsin since 2022 continues to cause sporadic wild-bird mortality; the department advised the public to avoid handling sick or dead birds and to report sightings.
Department wildlife health staff updated the Natural Resources Board on April 9 about the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 outbreak in wild birds. The DNR reported that the outbreak was first documented in North America in late 2021 and that Wisconsin had its first detections in early 2022. Although statewide mortality rates have not matched the highest early-2022 levels, the department confirmed clusters of sick and dead waterfowl and recent detections associated with Lake Michigan shoreline mortality and a reported Sandhill crane die-off in Adams County (results pending).
Why it matters: HPAI is an avian influenza strain that can cause high mortality in domestic poultry and has been associated with occasional spillover to wild mammals and rare human cases. The DNR emphasized that the public health risk to the general public remains low but encouraged precautions around sick or dead birds.
Key points from the update
- Timeline and spread: The current outbreak strain was first documented in North America in 2021. Since then the virus has been detected in many wild species globally; the DNR cited detections in 17 U.S. states and noted more than 165 wild bird species affected worldwide in recent years.
- Recent local activity: Wisconsin saw an uptick in detections in mid‑December and observed Lake Michigan shoreline mortality of loons and other waterbirds in February. The department has submitted samples for a Sandhill crane mortality event in Adams County and is awaiting results.
- Human and domestic-animal risk: The department reviewed federal reporting: a small number of human cases have been reported nationally and a limited number of detections occurred in cattle in other states; public-health officials characterize risk to the general public as low. Most human cases nationally involved close contact with infected poultry in farm settings.
- What the public can do: The DNR advised the public to report sick or dead wild birds via the department’s reporting form and to avoid handling wild birds. If disposal of a carcass is necessary, the department recommends gloves and basic PPE and advised following guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Ending: Department staff said surveillance and interagency coordination are ongoing and encouraged hunters, rehabilitators, and the public to report suspicious mortality events. The DNR will continue to share updates as testing results become available.
