MADISON — In an effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is suspending all poultry shows, exhibitions, swap meets, and movement of poultry to other events in southern Wisconsin counties, including Grant, Lafayette, Iowa, Crawford, Richland and Vernon counties, through May 10.

DATCP is closely monitoring cases of HPAI nationally and wild bird migration. The suspension of poultry exhibitions may be extended or expanded to include additional counties if further HPAI cases are identified, according to a DATCP news release.

The full order, including a map of affected counties, can be accessed on DATCP’s HPAI in poultry website at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/HPAIWisconsin.aspx.

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 HPAI in infected birds 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 increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, follow the instructions on DATCP’s Reporting Animal Disease webpage at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/AnimalDiseases.aspx.