JANESVILLE – Bird flu has arrived in Rock County.
In a release Monday, Rock County Public Health announced a confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a goose.
According to the release, Rock County Public Health was notified on Friday by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services that a goose tested positive for HPAI – also known as avian influenza, avian flu, and bird flu.
“The goose had been in contact with a Rock County resident,” the release said, with no indication of transmission to that person.
“Currently, there are no reported cases of HPAI transmitted to humans in Rock County. The current public health risk is low. The last confirmed case of HPAI in Rock County was in a chicken in 2022,” the release said.
Rock County Public Health said is working with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to monitor any symptoms in the person “to ensure safety protocols were met and that any further spread of HPAI was reduced. At this time, the contact does not report any relevant symptoms and testing was not required,” the release said.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPAI does not present an immediate public health concern. HPAI also does not pose a food safety risk. Properly handling and cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit kills the virus that causes HPAI.
What if I Have Poultry in a Backyard Flock?
If you raise chickens or have backyard flocks, please follow these guidelines from the CDC:
Wash your hands: Use soap and running water after touching backyard poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam. This includes after collecting eggs or handling food or water containers or other equipment used for poultry.
Wear PPE: Use personal protective equipment like dedicated shoes and keep them outdoors. See recommendations here.
Health Risks of Caring for Wildlife
Even animals that look and act healthy can carry germs that can make people sick. RCPH recommends that residents do not touch wild birds. This includes hand feeding.
If you find a sick or dead bird in your yard, do not touch it. Call the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at (608) 235-9227. Also, keep pets away from bird feeders, bird baths, and the surrounding areas.
Symptoms of HPAI
Symptoms include:
Eye redness and irritation (conjunctivitis)
Mild fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater) or feeling feverish
Cough and/or sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue
If you have any of these symptoms after known contact with sick or infected animals, seek prompt medical evaluation from your healthcare provider.
