The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) continues to work with local, state and federal partners to depopulate the Jefferson County poultry farm infected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The birds will be composted after depopulation; composting is the most efficient and environmentally responsible method for disposal of bird carcasses. Compost piles will be constructed in a manner that includes a thick cover of compost carbon on top and underneath the carcasses. Encasing and topping the carcasses with at least one foot of the carbon layer encourages the higher temperatures that speed decomposition, absorbs odors, and provides additional protection against water penetrating to the area of the windrow where the chickens have been placed.

The selected compost site, which is owned by the producer, has sufficient area and meets the locational criteria for a compost site to avoid groundwater contamination.

DATCP continues to update its HPAI incident webpage to include new resources, including a HPAI in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions document. This is a living document and will be updated on an ongoing basis. If you are interested in receiving updates on HPAI in Wisconsin, including updates on the HPAI in Wisconsin FAQ, sign up to receive HPAI in Wisconsin email updates.

Learn more about biosecurity and clinical signs of HPAI: https://datcp.wi.gov/Documents/AIBasics.pdf.

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