Poultry shows, exhibitions suspended due to bird flu in southern Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. - To help prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, commonly referred to as bird flu), all poultry shows, exhibitions, swap meets, and movement of poultry in southern Wisconsin have been suspended.

Counties affected

What we know:

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has suspended the events in the following counties:

• Columbia
• Crawford
• Dane
• Dodge
• Grant
• Green
• Iowa
• Jefferson
• Kenosha
• Lafayette
• Milwaukee
• Ozaukee
• Racine
• Richland
• Rock
• Sauk
• Vernon
• Walworth
• Washington
• Waukesha

The events will remain suspended through May 10, 2026, as DATCP closely monitors cases of bird flu nationally and wild bird migration.

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The suspension may be extended or expanded to include more counties if more bird flu cases are identified. The full order, including a map of affected counties, can be accessed on DATCP’s HPAI in poultry website.   

Preventing the spread

Big picture view:

Poultry owners and those working with poultry are strongly encouraged to continue practicing strict biosecurity to protect their flocks.

When possible, poultry owners are asked to keep their flocks indoors to prevent contact with wild birds.

Signs of bird flu include:

• Sudden death without clinical signs
• Lack of energy or appetite
• Decrease in egg production; soft, misshapen eggs
• Purple discoloration of wattles, comb, and legs
• Difficulty breathing
• Runny nose, coughing, sneezing
• Stumbling or falling down
• Diarrhea

To report an increase in deaths or signs of illness among domestic birds, follow the instructions on DATCP’s Reporting Animal Disease webpage.