Wisconsin’s Avian Influenza Surveillance Plan

Hunter Harvest Avian Influenza Sampling Locations

In 2006 the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), working in partnership with the USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, joined a larger national effort to start active surveillance of wild birds for highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, especially HP H5N1.

Samples for avian influenza virus screening are collected in a variety of ways, including from both live and dead birds. Samples are collected from live birds captured during routine WDNR management and research efforts such as banding of birds. A variety of live-captured birds have been sampled, including waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds. Each Fall, samples are also collected from hunter-harvested waterfowl. Sampling of hunter-harvested birds, which typically occurs opening weekend of the season, takes place in areas where waterfowl are known to concentrate, including Mead Wildlife Area in Portage and Marathon Counties, Grand River Marsh in Green Lake County, and Horicon Marsh in Dodge County. Most importantly, samples are collected for AI screening from birds found sick or dead, especially birds that are part of die-off events and water birds. Efforts continue to enhance morbidity and mortality sampling, as Asian and European data shows that the vast majority of highly pathogenic H5N1 detected in wild birds has been found in dead or sick birds. Members of the public are encouraged to share reports of dead birds with the WI Dead Bird Hotline (1-800-433-1610).

The WDNR is also sampling birds such as pheasants, greater prairie chickens, and whooping cranes which are released into the wild for hunting or conservation programs. Sampling of birds released into the wild is critical to prevent the introduction of pathogenic avian influenza viruses from captive or out of state sources into wild bird populations in Wisconsin.

Avian Influenza Surveillance Results

During the first two years of sampling for detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, the WDNR and statewide partners sampled over 3100 birds of nearly 50 different species. Of the total samples, over 1000 were from birds captured live during routine DNR operations, 1955 were from hunter-harvested birds, and 155 were from morbidity/mortality events.

The current 2008 avian influenza surveillance season continues until March 31, 2009. As of November 1st, the WDNR has screened over 675 wild birds. Sampling of hunter-harvested birds for the 2008 season is complete. In total, approximately 340 hunter-harvested birds representing 13 species were tested from Horicon Marsh, Mead Wildlife Area, and Grand River Marsh. This year approximately 300 live-captured birds of 8 species have been tested. Finally, 36 sick or dead birds representing 12 different species have been tested to date. Morbidity/mortality event sampling is ongoing. In addition, USDA-Wildlife Services and other partners have sampled over 600 birds from Wisconsin during the 2008 season.

To date, no evidence of highly-pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been found in the Wisconsin birds sampled.

Additional Information

• AI Background
• General Public
• Hunters
• Bird Banders
• Wildlife Rehabilitators
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Avian Influenza Brochure (PDF, 170KB)

Related Sites

Avian Influenza Updates

• National Wildlife Health Center (Exit DNR)
• United States Department of Agriculture (Exit DNR)
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Exit DNR)

Information on Avian Influenza and People

• Centers for Disease Control (Exit DNR)
• World Health Organization (Exit DNR)
• Department of Health and Human Services (Exit DNR)
• Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (Exit DNR)

Information on Avian Influenza and Wild and Domestic Birds

• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Exit DNR)

Questions regarding Avian Influenza, please contact Wildlife Health

Questions for Wildlife Management