Avian Influenza/Bird Flu Admission Restrictions -Level 3
Due to concerns for the potential transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), avian admissions will be limited. While this will impact our ability to provide care for some animals, these measures are in place so that we can continue to help as many birds as we can safely and all our other wildlife patients. We appreciate your understanding through this process.
Note: We are closely monitoring HPAI outbreaks both in wild birds and poultry farms. It is our hope to resume normal avian admission as soon as conditions allow and the threat of HPAI has passed.
Level 3 is implemented when HPAI is confirmed within 50 miles of the facility, admission guidelines are as follows:
Based on the location and number of confirmed cases of HPAI, WINC will not be admitting aquatic birds (which includes waterfowl, waterbirds or shore birds) or eagles at this time (live or deceased).
For all other species of birds during the current outbreak of HPAI, admissions will be approved on a case-by-case basis. If you find a bird that is not listed as restricted, please take a video of the bird (preferably before it is contained). If you are unable to take/send a video, photos may be accepted depending on the circumstances for that animal.
Due to the current prevalence and serious risk of HPAI in our region, our admission processes have changed. It is of vital importance that you do not bring in a bird that needs help to our wildlife hospital until our team has talked with you directly via phone. If you have found a sick, injured, or potentially orphaned wild animal in our service area, please call us at (262) 965-3090 and leave a message. Our staff will respond to your call as soon as we are able. Thank you so much for caring for wildlife and for your support.
Please note that videos/photos will be required for approval for admission.
- Adult songbirds that are not exhibiting neurological symptoms
- Finches with conjunctivitis
- Window strikes or vehicle collisions
- Predator attacks
- Potential fractures, but only birds that appear neurologically appropriate
- Raptors (No eagles)
- This includes hawks, owls and falcons
- Window strikes or vehicle collisions
- Potential fractures, but only birds that appear neurologically appropriate
- Juveniles/orphans
Contact the DNR for the following.
- Injured waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds, eagles from Washington, Jefferson, Dodge and Waukesha counties.
- Birds (all species) showing obvious neurologic symptoms
- Head tilt
- Circling in one direction
- Body/barrel rolling
- Continuous tremors
- Any obvious abnormal continuous/repetitive movements
- Birds (all species) showing obvious upper respiratory symptoms
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Visible nasal discharge
- Audible sinus/upper respiratory congestion sounds
For above bird species we don’t admit, you can contact the DNR Wildlife Hotline by emailing DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov or leaving a voicemail at 608-267-0866.
Please visit our website www.helpingwildlife.org for helpful information about wildlife situations.
