(Updated Spring 2024): Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus strain H5N1 remains active in Wisconsin and across much of the United States. View recent HPAI detections here (via APHIS).

A Canada Goose swims in a pond. Mallards are swimming behind it. — *Canada Goose and Mallards (photo via Pixabay).*

AVIAN INFLUENZA AND WISCONSIN BIRDS

The Wisconsin DNR announced in late March 2022 that highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (also known as HPAI or EA H5 Avian Influenza) has been detected in wild raptor and waterfowl species in Wisconsin. More on those detections can be found on the USDA APHIS avian influenza surveillance website.

Black-capped Chickadee perched on the side of a feeder. — *Black-capped Chickadee on a feeder (photo via Pixabay).*

WHAT ABOUT BIRD FEEDERS?

Many of you have been asking us about bird feeders, which we recommended people take down during 2021’s outbreak of a mystery illness that primarily impacted songbirds, an illness which has since dwindled and has not been detected in our state. The HPAI outbreak is different than the mystery illness.

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon) has carefully examined the available data on HPAI, and at this time is not recommending removal of songbird feeders and baths, except under certain conditions (see below). This is consistent with current Wisconsin DNR recommendations. We continue to follow this very closely and will update our recommendations accordingly.

UMN’s Raptor Center is receiving cases of owls and eagles suffering from HPAI, thus recommending taking down bird feeders and baths to reduce congregation of birds of all types. We appreciate the conservative approach by the Raptor Center and other organizations, and have carefully considered our own recommendation based on available scientific data. Studies suggest songbird species that typically visit feeders have extremely low risk of infection (e.g., 0.4%, link to study), are not thought to be natural reservoirs for HPAI (link to study), and are not likely bridge hosts to spread the virus (link to study).

During this present HPAI outbreak in the U.S., all but one positive case (an American Crow in North Dakota) have been in non-songbird species, such as raptors and waterfowl.

As always, we recommend that anyone with bird feeders continues to follow responsible protocol by cleaning feeders and baths at least once per week. Wear disposable gloves, empty, then clean with a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach mixed with nine parts water). Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to air dry completely (in the sun if possible) before filling with fresh seed or water.

We DO advise that you do take down your bird feeders and baths if:

Your feeders are visited by birds like waterfowl, raptors, or other species that are highly susceptible to HPAI.
You keep domestic poultry or live in close proximity to a poultry farm.

As new information becomes available, we will update our suggestions for how to protect yourself and birds on this page. Read on to learn more about the virus and what you can do to prevent its spread.

What is HPAI?

HPAI is a deadly viral disease that infects the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of birds. It has most significantly affected domestic poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks) and farms may suffer rapid spread and high mortality rates (those keeping flocks should review the APHIS Defend the Flock program).

Does it affect wild birds?

Yes, and has been detected in wild bird populations in Wisconsin. According to the USDA, wild birds can contract, shed, and spread the virus at a rapid rate without showing symptoms of the disease.

Currently, the wild species most affected appear to be the following:

Waterfowl (such as ducks, geese, and swans)
Waterbirds (such as loons, grebes, terns, gulls, coots, pelicans, and shorebirds)
Wading birds (such as egrets, herons, and cranes)
Raptors (especially Bald Eagles and those which predate the above species)
Other avian scavengers (such as crows and ravens)

What should I watch for?

For birds that it affects, common symptoms include:

Poor coordination and neurologic symptoms
Nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing
Lack of energy or appetite, diarrhea
Purple discoloration or swelling of on the body
Misshapen eggs
Sudden death

What should I do?

If you are a birder, please be vigilant. This virus is hardy and can be spread easily via vehicles, birding equipment, and more. If visiting a wetland area, bring footwear to change into before getting out of your vehicle and change out of as you get back in. Disinfect footwear and equipment before using again.

HPAI is a zoonotic virus, meaning that it can cross species boundaries, and it can be transmitted to people and other animals. According to the Wisconsin DNR, the majority of avian influenza viruses do not infect humans; however, simple precautions should be taken to reduce or minimize the risks of infection:

Do not handle sick or dead birds.
Keep pets and people away from sick or dead birds.
If you are birding or walking through areas that put you close to waterfowl or walking through waterfowl feces, change and disinfect your shoes before wearing them at a new site. Bring a spray bottle with 10% bleach solution (one part bleach mixed with nine parts water) to spray your gear and allow to air dry.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with a wild bird or contaminated surfaces. Flu viruses are inactivated by common disinfectants including detergents, 10% bleach solution, and alcohol.
Cook all meat, including wild birds and poultry thoroughly to a temperature of 165° F to kill organisms and parasites.
Hunters should sanitize all tools and surfaces when handling, cleaning and preparing wild birds.
To Report Sightings: contact the DNR Wildlife Hotline
Email: DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wi.gov
Phone: 608-267-0866
Leave a voicemail message for a return phone call

Avian Influenza in Wisconsin