Quarantines lifted on three poultry producers, including one in Jefferson County

MADISON -- The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced on Wednesday, July 29th the release of quarantines on the first three of nine commercial poultry producers affected by avian influenza earlier this year.

The Department lifted the quarantines on three premises, one in each of Chippewa, Barron and Jefferson counties.  The remaining six premises are in the final stages of testing that is required for release.

Despite this good news, officials say there is a strong likelihood that the virus could return in the fall when temperatures fall and wild birds begin to migrate.

To minimize the impact on the poultry industry, all bird owners are urged to continue practicing proper biosecurity, preventing contact between their birds and wild birds, and reporting sick birds or unusual bird deaths to your veterinarian and DATCP’s Animal Health division at 1-800-572-8981.

Additional information and resources concerning avian influenza can be found on DATCP’s web site at datcp.wi.gov.