Expand / Collapse search
☰

Human bird flu infection case reported in Barron Co., WI

By
Published  December 18, 2024 5:35pm EST
Health
FOX 9

Minnesota extends temporary ban on poultry events amid bird flu outbreak

The ban on poultry exhibitions and events where birds are brought together has been extended.

The Brief

    • One person in Barron County, Wis., is believed to be "the first presumptive positive human case" of bird flu in the state, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
    • The person was reportedly exposed to an infected flock.
    • Officials say the risk to the public in Wisconsin remains low.

BARRON COUNTY, WIS. - Wisconsin health officials believe they have detected the first human case of bird flu in the state this year.

What we know

The latest: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) said it detected "the first presumptive positive human case" of bird flu in Barron County, Wisconsin.

The person believed to be infected with bird flu, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), reportedly had exposure to an infected flock.

Officials say the case was identified through testing done by the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene, but confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still pending.

Both Barron County and state health services are monitoring farmworkers who may have been exposed to the virus, according to a news release from Wisconsin DHS.

Anyone who works with infected birds, poultry or cows, or has recreational exposure to them, is at a higher risk of being infected. 

Background

Previous reporting: Other bird flu outbreaks were reported throughout the region earlier in the year, including in a Benton County dairy farm herd.

READ MORE: Bird flu detected in Benton County dairy cows

Earlier this month, the USDA ordered testing of the nation's entire milk supply to combat the spread of bird flu in cows. 

READ MORE: USDA orders testing of entire milk supply nationwide for bird flu

The Source: A news release from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

HealthWisconsinNews