“We must act quickly:" Governor Walker authorizes National Guard to help deal with bird flu

MADISON (WITI) -- Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker on Monday, April 20th signed Executive Order #156, authorizing the Wisconsin National Guard to assist authorities in the response to the avian influenza virus affecting Jefferson, Juneau and Barron Counties.

“We must act quickly and efficiently to contain the outbreak and protect domestic poultry,” Governor Walker said.  “It is important to note, however, there is no threat to humans with the avian flu outbreak.”

According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), avian influenza virus has been detected in three Wisconsin poultry flocks, affecting tens of thousands of chickens and turkeys.

 

Governor Walker’s Executive Order allows the Wisconsin National Guard to assist in the response and help contain the outbreak, as well as offer assistance in site clean-up.  The state veterinarian, through DATCP, requested up to 14 Guard personnel be made available, on a rotating schedule, for immediate assistance.  This assistance from the Wisconsin National Guard is necessary because federal resources are thin, due to avian influenza virus outbreaks in other states, particularly in the Midwest.

 

If you find a sick or dead bird, do not touch it.  For domestic birds, call DATCP’s Division of Animal Health  at 1-800-572-8981, and for wild birds, call the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-433-1810.