What is WDNR doing to monitor Wisconsin for avian influenza among wild birds?
The WDNR has had a surveillance program to investigate wild bird deaths and screen selected wild birds for evidence of avian influenza for decades. In 2007, Wisconsin is screening approximately 1,500 samples from live and dead birds for evidence of H5N1 throughout the state as part of a nationwide effort. Working in partnership with the USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, WDNR is collecting samples from dead birds reported by the public, from captured live birds, and from waterfowl harvested in the fall by hunters. Samples from hunter harvested birds are being collected from areas of high waterfowl concentration, such as Horicon and Grand River Marshes. While dead birds of any species are being sampled, priority is given to water birds.
