Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

According to a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture - Trade and Consumer Protection, they are continuing to work with local, state, and federal partners to depopulate the Jefferson County poultry farm infected by highly pathogenic avian influenza. The birds will be composted after depopulation. Compost piles will be constructed in a manner that includes a thick cover of compost carbon on top and underneath the carcasses. Encasing and topping the carcasses with at least one foot of the carbon layer encourages the higher temperatures that speed decomposition, absorbs odors, and provides additional protection against water penetrating to the area of the windrow where the chickens have been placed. The selected compost site meets locational criteria for a compost site to avoid groundwater contamination.