Additional case of bird flu confirmed in commercial poultry flock in Barron County
By WEAU Staff
Published: Oct. 22, 2026 at 8:44 PM GMT+2 | Updated: 7 hours ago
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MADISON, Wis. (WEAU) - The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is announcing an additional case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in Barron County, marking the eighth detection of HPAI in Wisconsin poultry this year.
According to a press release from the DATCP, the affected premises has been quarantined to restrict movement of poultry and poultry products, and birds on the property were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. The birds from the flock will not enter the food system.
This is the third identified case of avian influenza in Barron County since last month, according to the DATCP.
Additional information regarding HPAI in poultry is available [here](DATCP Home Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry).
PRESS RELEASE: DATCP Home Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Barron County
The DATCP provided some insights from the animal health team:
"The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021. As birds migrate in the fall and spring, there is increased potential for disease spread. While the epidemiological investigations are ongoing for this week’s detections in Barron County, many northern Wisconsin counties are experiencing similar environmental pressures including temperature changes and wild animals bedding in new areas. DATCP continues to urge all livestock owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and herds from the disease. This includes washing hands, disinfecting equipment, restricting access to animals, and separating new additions to the flock or herd for at least 30 days. Poultry owners are asked, when possible, to keep their birds indoors."