In a confirmed news release by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection on March 14, 2022, Brook-Falls is advising all avian owners to keep their birds inside for their protection! This includes domestic poultry such as chickens, ducks, or even geese. If you are not able to bring your waterfowl indoors, please be sure that their enclosure has a roof on it to decrease contamination from migrating bird feces. If you happen upon any sick wild waterfowl, do not handle them at all! The avian influenza virus is highly contagious and often fatal. This virus can be spread by contact with infected birds, equipment or clothing worn by those working with infected animals. Please practice good biosecurity measures to keep your birds healthy.
Additionally, you can read more from a bulletin posted by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection on February 24, 2022, here.
Do you know the signs/symptoms of avian influenza? Click here
Here are some helpful hints on how to protect your backyard flock.
If you suspect you have a sick bird, here is a sick bird self-assessment.
Here are 6 ways to protect your flock.