No New Bird Flu Cases Reported In 2 Weeks, Leaving Officials Cautiously Optimistic

While state officials say they’re encouraged by a lack of new cases of bird flu at Wisconsin chicken and turkey farms, there’s concern the virus could be back this fall.

It’s been nearly two weeks since the last cases of bird flu were found at farms in Barron and Jefferson counties. Since then, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection spokeswoman Raechelle Cline said that it’s been quiet.

“We are unaware of any additional cases at this particular time. So at this point, no news is good news,” said Cline.

Investigators will monitor infected facilities for several more weeks. Cline said DATCP is hopeful that warmer weather will keep the virus at bay over the summer, but it may come back later this year.

“The state veterinarian has expressed on several occasions that he believes that there is a potential that this particular virus could reappear in the fall,” said Cline.

Nearly 2 million chickens, turkeys and eggs have been euthanized since the outbreak began.