Daybreak Foods is temporarily sidelining 87 workers at two southern Wisconsin farms as state and federal crews move in to depopulate flocks following confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The furloughs, expected to begin around April 1, will affect line workers, animal caretakers and sanitation staff, while agencies quarantine the sites and oversee the disposal of millions of birds to keep the virus from spreading further.
According to the Milwaukee Business Journal, Daybreak notified workforce officials it would temporarily lay off 87 employees at the two farms beginning around April 1. The company said the furloughs are directly tied to depopulation orders issued after the recent HPAI detections.
State Order Halts Poultry Events And Tightens Bird Movement
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture has issued a temporary order suspending poultry shows, exhibitions and most movement of birds across 20 southern counties through May 10 in an effort to cut transmission risk. The agency said affected premises are under quarantine and that infected flocks have been depopulated to prevent further spread, according to DATCP.
Millions Of Birds Culled As Palmyra Composting Sparks Outrage
More than 4.3 million birds in Wisconsin have been affected in recent weeks as multiple commercial flocks tested positive for HPAI, WPR reported. In Palmyra, local coverage has described truckloads of dead birds hauled to composting sites, where neighbors say the process has brought foul odors and plenty of anxiety. TMJ4 quoted Daybreak CEO Bill Rehm calling the situation “tragic” and saying the company’s staff have been emotionally affected.
Workers, WARN Filings And Support Programs
Even before the latest outbreak, Daybreak had warned of cuts. A WARN notice filed in November outlined a planned temporary layoff of about 65 workers at its Cold Spring Farm, with anticipated recalls in the spring, according to a filing with the Wisconsin DWD. That notice shows the affected roles were expected to include animal caretakers, line workers and sanitation staff, with a potential recall window between March and May.
State reemployment services and unemployment insurance are available to displaced workers through resources at Wisconsin DWD and its online programs.
What Shoppers Need To Know
Officials emphasize that poultry and eggs from depopulated flocks will not enter the food supply and that the overall risk to the general public remains low. WISN and state briefings reiterate that routine food-safety practices mean eggs on grocery store shelves remain safe for consumers.
What Happens Next
State and federal agencies say they will continue monitoring exposed workers and nearby flocks while Daybreak coordinates with DATCP, the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on decontamination and eventual repopulation plans. DATCP has said it will update its orders and guidance as investigations continue and new information comes in.
