Menu

Communicable Disease

Communicable Disease

In conjunction with Chapter 252 of Wisconsin Statutes, HFS 145 contains the principal body of Wisconsin law which empowers and directs state and local governments in the surveillance and control of infectious diseases which constitute a threat to the public health and safety. Local health departments/divisions of health are required to follow up on "all reportable communicable diseases". The purpose for this is to prevent the spread of disease to others.

Health care providers must report certain disease to the local health department. Click here for information about the disease reporting process, including the use of WEDSS (Wisconsin Disease Surveillance System).

  • For a complete listing of Wisconsin Local Public Health Departments, click here.

     

  • For Information on communicable disease, please click on one of the links below:

    Avian Influenza / Bird Flu

    Avian Influenza / Chicken Flu has been confirmed in Columbia County

    To report a suspected disease, contact DATCP's Division of Animal Health by:

    o   Email: datcpanimalimports@wisconsin.gov​

    o   Phone: (608) 224-4872, Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

    o   Evenings & weekends: (800) 943-0003. Say you are reporting a potential animal dise​ase.

    To report suspected illness caused by close contact with an infected bird, dead bird, or surfaces contaminated by them contact local health department:

    o   Columbia County Division of Health at (608) 742-9227.

     Symptoms in birds and humans:

    • Poultry are likely to appear sick when they are infected with bird flu.
    • Infected birds shed bird flu viruses in their saliva, mucous and feces. Human infections with bird flu viruses are rare, but they can happen when virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled.
    • Because human infections with these bird flu viruses are possible, all people with direct or close exposure to infected birdsinfected flocks or contaminated surfaces should be monitored for illness for 10 days after their last exposure.
    • Monitor your health for symptoms of avian influenza virus infection.
      During and then immediately after your last exposure to infected birds or contaminated surfaces, monitor yourself daily for any of these signs and symptoms for 10 days:

      Fever (Temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) or feeling feverish/chills*
      Cough
      Sore throat
      Difficulty breathing/Shortness of breath
      Eye tearing, redness, or irritation
      Headaches
      Runny or stuffy nose
      Muscle or body aches
      Diarrhea

    • If you have symptoms, stay home and limit contact with others as much as possible until the results of your test are known. Your health department might have additional instructions for you as well. 

    Additional Information:

    It is safe to eat poultry that has been fully cooked. General precautions should always be taken when handling any raw meat, including raw eggs, to avoid possibly spreading germs. 

    Links:

    HPAI2022FAQ.pdf (wi.gov)

    Poultry Owners Flyer FINAL (wi.gov)

    DATCP Home Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wisconsin

    Avian Influenza A Virus | Wisconsin Department of Health Services