Wisconsin Rep. Duchow Criticizes Governor's Veto of Avian Flu Bill

Proposed legislation aimed to create buffer zones around commercial egg farms to prevent spread of virus.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A photorealistic painting of an empty, dilapidated poultry barn in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of isolation and melancholy.The quiet, abandoned remains of a commercial poultry facility serve as a somber reminder of the economic and community impacts of avian flu outbreaks.Madison Today

Representative Cindi Duchow (R-Delafield) expressed disappointment after Governor Tony Evers vetoed a bill she introduced that would have allowed the Department of Natural Resources to sell land near commercial egg farms to create buffer zones and prevent the spread of avian flu. Duchow said the recent outbreak at one of the nation's largest egg facilities in Jefferson County has had significant impacts on businesses, workers, and surrounding communities.

Why it matters

Avian flu outbreaks at large-scale commercial poultry facilities can have devastating economic and community consequences, leading to mass depopulation of birds. Creating buffer zones around these farms is seen as a potential way to mitigate the spread of the virus from wild bird populations.

The details

Assembly Bill 1032, introduced by Rep. Duchow and Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), would have given the Natural Resources Board the authority to sell DNR land within one mile of or adjacent to commercial egg farms. The goal was to establish expanded buffer zones to increase the distance between the farms and concentrations of wild birds known to carry avian influenza. However, Governor Evers vetoed the bill on Friday.

  • The most recent wave of avian flu began in 2021-2022.
  • The bill was proposed in response to a recent outbreak at one of the nation's largest egg-producing facilities in Jefferson County.

The players

Representative Cindi Duchow

A Republican state representative from Delafield, Wisconsin who introduced the avian flu buffer zone legislation.

Senator Patrick Testin

A Republican state senator from Stevens Point, Wisconsin who co-sponsored the avian flu buffer zone legislation with Rep. Duchow.

Governor Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin who vetoed the avian flu buffer zone legislation.

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What they’re saying

“This most recent wave of avian flu, which began in 2021–2022, has led to the depopulation of millions of birds across the country. Outbreaks at these facilities have significant impacts, not only on the businesses and workers involved, but also on the surrounding communities that must deal with the consequences of large-scale depopulation.”

— Representative Cindi Duchow

“Something has to change. While I am disappointed in the veto, I remain hopeful that the DNR, the farm's owners, and local officials can work together to find a solution and prevent this from happening again.”

— Representative Cindi Duchow

What’s next

The governor's office has not indicated if it plans to work with the legislature on alternative solutions to address avian flu outbreaks near commercial poultry farms.

The takeaway

This veto highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing environmental protection, public health, and the economic needs of the agriculture industry when it comes to managing the spread of avian influenza. It remains to be seen if state leaders can find a compromise solution that satisfies all stakeholders.