Madison Daily Brief: Avian Flu Case, Salvage Yard Fire, and Crime Trends

Top local headlines

Avian influenza found in a Dane County backyard flock

State agriculture officials confirmed the first highly pathogenic avian influenza case of 2026 in Dane County, detected in a backyard chicken flock. The birds are not entering the food system, and officials urged animal owners to tighten biosecurity, including disinfecting equipment and separating new animals before mixing them with an existing flock.

Salvage yard fire sends heavy smoke near Waunakee

Dispatchers confirmed multiple vehicles caught fire at a salvage yard near Waunakee on Monday, with smoke visible from roads around the area and on state traffic cameras. Fire crews were still working the scene as details developed.

Madison police report crime declines in 2025

Madison police say both violent and property crime trended down in 2025, with declines reported in categories such as shots fired, burglaries, robberies, and vehicle thefts. The department reported five homicides in 2025, down from seven in 2024, and noted a major drop in suspected opioid overdose deaths, while emphasizing the work is ongoing.

UW police seek help identifying theft suspects

University police released photos of suspects tied to multiple theft cases on campus and asked anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be routed to campus police or local tip lines, including anonymous options.

Also on the radar

On campus, Faculty Senate minutes approved Monday included an update that UW Madison leadership expects a chancellor transition after the spring semester, with an interim appointment anticipated ahead of a broader search.

Elsewhere, giving and getting out are both on the calendar this week: The Big Share is running online Tuesday, and the World Championship Cheese Contest is bringing public viewing and sampling to Monona Terrace on March 3 and 4. A handful of other concerts and comedy shows are also rolling out across town through Thursday.

Sources

• https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/03/02/avian-influenza-confirmed-backyard-chicken-flock-dane-county/
• https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/03/02/multiple-vehicles-fire-salvage-yard-dane-county-dispatch-confirms/
• https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/03/02/madison-police-report-drop-violent-property-crimes-2025/
• https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/03/02/uwpd-searching-suspects-theft-cases/
• https://kb.wisc.edu/sof/159410
• https://isthmus.com/arts/isthmus-madison-picks-march-2-5-2026/