Series: 2015 Avian Flu Epidemic

United States Department of Agriculture

Series: 2015 Avian Flu Epidemic

An unprecedented avian influenza epidemic struck the poultry industry in the U.S. over the spring and early summer of 2015. It was concentrated in several Midwestern states, with Wisconsin seeing infections in several counties that are home to major turkey and chicken operations. Both federal and state government agencies worked in tandem with poultry farmers to halt and prevent further spread of the disease, resulting in the destruction of more than 1.9 million birds in the state. The epidemic was a serious agricultural challenge for the nation, driving up egg prices and spurring officials and poultry producers to strengthen biosecurity measures intended to limit the spread and impact of animal diseases.

Despite Falling Numbers, Wisconsin Turkey Producers Report Strong Local Demand

Audio:

Hope Kirwan

Wisconsin Public Radio

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WPR

Turkey farms in Wisconsin continue to cater to local markets. But 2017 numbers numbers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show some decline in production.

Series: 2015 Avian Flu Epidemic

Officials Cite 'Stepped Up' Biosecurity In Limiting Avian Influenza Among Poultry

Samantha Nash

PBS Wisconsin

While a handful of isolated cases of avian influenza made headlines in early 2017, the threat they posed to Wisconsin's poultry industry was mitigated by lessons learned from the 2015 outbreak.

Series: 2015 Avian Flu Epidemic

Spring Is The Season For Avian Influenza Infections Among Poultry

Tim Jergenson

UW-Extension

Joel McReynolds

UW-Extension

Two years after an outbreak of avian influenza centered on the Upper Midwest infected birds at multiple poultry operations in Wisconsin, the disease may once again be posing a threat.

Series: 2015 Avian Flu Epidemic

Cost Of Thanksgiving Dinner In Wisconsin Is Lowest Since 2010

Hope Kirwan

Wisconsin Public Radio

That delicious Thanksgiving spread this year will be the least expensive its been since 2010, according to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau.

Series: 2015 Avian Flu Epidemic

Looking Back On Record-Setting Avian Flu Epidemic

Scott Gordon

WisContext

Earlier this year, avian flu devastated the poultry industry across Wisconsin and the country.

Series: 2015 Avian Flu Epidemic

Understanding Unseen Costs Of The Avian Influenza Epidemic In Wisconsin

Ron Kean

UW-Extension

Avian influenza has been in the news quite a bit over the last year, including around Wisconsin. While much of this coverage has focused on the farms that saw outbreaks and its effects on consumers' pocketbooks, comparatively little attention has been given to the costs experienced by other poultry enterprises.

A poultry barn floor covered by young chickens

Series: 2015 Avian Flu Epidemic

'Depopulation' Takes Spotlight In Avian Influenza Epidemic

Scott Gordon

WisContext

As a highly contagious avian influenza virus spread through the U.S.'s poultry population in 2015, something else began catching on: the word "depopulation."

Series: 2015 Avian Flu Epidemic

Understanding The 2015 Wisconsin Avian Flu Epidemic: The U.S. Outbreak

Scott Gordon

WisContext

Kristian Knutsen

WisContext

The 2015 avian influenza epidemic was the largest in U.S. history, affecting more than 48 million domestic poultry birds in 15 states between December 2014 and June 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Visualization by Scott Gordon. Data source: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

Series: 2015 Avian Flu Epidemic

Understanding The 2015 Wisconsin Avian Flu Epidemic: The State Outbreak

Scott Gordon

WisContext

Kristian Knutsen

WisContext

Avian influenza struck more than 1.9 million chickens, turkeys and mixed-breed fowl across four Wisconsin counties between April and May 2015.

Series: 2015 Avian Flu Epidemic

Understanding The 2015 Wisconsin Avian Flu Epidemic: Defining Influenza

Scott Gordon

WisContext

Kristian Knutsen

WisContext

Wednesday, September 30, 2015 - 2:00pm

Influenza is an infectious disease that can be transmitted between and among numerous species of animals, including humans and other mammals, and wild and domesticated birds.