The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Con – sumer Protection (DATCP) has announced a confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian in –

fluenza (HPAI) in a commer – cial poultry flock in Jefferson County. Avian influenza is a virus that affects a wide vari – ety of birds; like a flu virus, it can change or mutate. HPAI is of great concern because it is highly contagious and can be fatal to poultry. Those that have backyard flocks of chickens may need to take steps to pre – vent this virus from occurring.

Some steps include: • Implement enhanced bios –

ecurity practices on your prem – ises. This includes increased sanitation and restricting the movement of people, animals, and equipment.

• Discourage co-mingling of waterfowl and domestic birds and poultry; if possible, move all birds indoors to protect your flock from contact with wild birds.

• Prevent access to surface water and the surrounding environment by poultry and prevent wild birds access to poultry feed, water, and other environments strictly for poul – try.

• For more tips on how to help keep your flock healthy, review this checklist from USDA.

There have been no reports of avian influenza in humans in the U.S. at this time; however, humans can become infected through contact with infected poultry or contaminated fluids. Individuals who have close, prolonged, and unprotected contact with infected poultry or any contaminated environ – ments are thought to be at the greatest risk of infection.

Depopulation efforts are oc – curring at the Jefferson County poultry farm that was infected by HPAI. There is no indication at this time that the virus has spread outside of this affected area. Individuals with backyard flocks should still consider tak –

ing precautions as a preventa –

tive measure.