Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is once again making headlines in the United States, with outbreaks affecting both wild bird populations in Louisiana and a dairy herd in Wisconsin. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced on December 19, 2025, that the virus is causing significant mortality among wild birds, especially in the state’s southwest region. Meanwhile, Wisconsin officials confirmed the first case of HPAI in a 500-cow dairy herd in Dodge County earlier this month, prompting a coordinated response from state agencies and the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Division of Extension.
According to KLFY, the LDWF has observed that the outbreak intensified during the fall migration of 2025, leading to a surge in cases among various bird species. Geese and other waterfowl appear particularly susceptible, with some birds able to recover and develop immunity, while others succumb to severe neurological symptoms. Scavenging raptors such as vultures are also at risk, highlighting the broad impact of the virus on Louisiana’s avian wildlife.
Wildlife officials are urging the public to avoid handling sick or dead birds and to report any such encounters immediately to regional LDWF offices. The department has provided contact numbers for offices in Hammond, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Minden, Monroe, and Pineville, emphasizing the importance of rapid reporting and response. Birds showing signs of illness—including lethargy, difficulty standing, and neurological symptoms—should not be approached, and no diseased or dead birds should be consumed under any circumstances.
For those working in wildlife rehabilitation, the LDWF stresses the need for extra caution. Bringing potentially infected birds into rehabilitation facilities could inadvertently spread the virus, so strict hygiene practices are essential. This includes thoroughly washing clothing and equipment that may have come into contact with sick birds. The department’s message is clear: “Proper hygiene practices, such as thoroughly washing clothing and equipment that may have come in contact with sick birds, are essential.”
While the human health risk from this strain of HPAI remains minimal as of December 19, 2025, officials warn that direct contact with infected birds could potentially transmit the virus to pets or domesticated birds, further complicating containment efforts. The LDWF’s guidance is unequivocal: the public should not handle sick or dead birds, and any such encounters should be reported without delay.
Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, the confirmation of HPAI in a dairy herd marks a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing battle against the disease. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension has responded by developing a centralized, information-based webpage for dairy producers and the public. This resource offers links to trusted state and federal guidance, biosecurity tools, and reporting information to help protect herd health and reduce the risk of HPAI spread.
Randy Romanski, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), explained the state’s proactive approach: “We’ve been testing for HPAI since May and have tested over 24,000 samples. This was the first milk sample that’s been identified and confirmed by the National Veterinary Services laboratory.” Wisconsin’s aggressive milk testing model, which began in May 2025, is part of the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy. This enhanced surveillance allowed for the early detection of the virus in the Dodge County herd, supporting a rapid response to limit its spread and protect both animal and human health.
The Division of Extension’s role is to connect producers and communities with university research, state and federal agencies, and trusted partners. Their goal is to provide “science-based, actionable information to help Wisconsin dairy producers protect animal health and support the state’s agricultural community.” The materials shared by Extension aim to bolster on-farm preparedness, herd monitoring, and compliance with federal and state animal health requirements.
Producers are being advised to watch for clinical signs of HPAI in dairy cattle, such as reduced feed intake, sudden drops in milk production, and changes in manure consistency. Any concerns should be reported promptly. Enhanced biosecurity measures are being recommended across the board, including employee protocols, visitor management, and equipment sanitation. As Romanski noted, “An important thing we’ve learned is the value and importance of enhanced biosecurity which remains one of the most effective tools for reducing the risk of disease introduction and spread.”
Since HPAI was first confirmed in dairy herds in Texas and Kansas, Wisconsin officials have been in close communication with their counterparts in those states, learning valuable lessons from their experiences. This collaborative approach has informed Wisconsin’s response, ensuring that the state’s agricultural sector is as prepared as possible to deal with the threat of HPAI.
For Wisconsin consumers, the good news is that pasteurized milk remains safe to drink. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to consider the human health risk from HPAI to be low as of December 19, 2025. This reassurance is important for maintaining public confidence in the state’s dairy industry, which is a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s economy and identity.
Despite the low risk to humans, the presence of HPAI in both wild birds and dairy cattle underscores the need for vigilance and cooperation at every level. State agencies, university researchers, and industry partners are working together to monitor the situation, share information, and implement best practices to contain the virus and protect public and animal health.
The outbreaks in Louisiana and Wisconsin highlight the interconnectedness of wildlife, agriculture, and human communities. As birds migrate and dairy herds are monitored, the lessons learned in one region can inform strategies in another. The emphasis on early detection, rapid response, and robust biosecurity measures reflects a growing recognition that diseases like HPAI require coordinated, science-based solutions.
For now, both Louisiana and Wisconsin are doubling down on efforts to limit the spread of HPAI. Public awareness campaigns, enhanced testing protocols, and strict hygiene guidelines are all part of a broader strategy to safeguard the health of birds, livestock, and people. As the situation evolves, officials remain committed to transparency and timely communication, ensuring that communities have the information and resources they need to respond effectively.
With winter migrations ongoing and the agricultural calendar in full swing, the coming months will be critical for managing the impact of HPAI. Whether it’s a flock of geese in Louisiana or a dairy herd in Wisconsin, the stakes are high—but so too is the resolve of those on the front lines. Their work, supported by science and strengthened by collaboration, offers a measure of hope in the face of an unpredictable and persistent threat.