A case of the bird flu has been reported in a Montcalm County dairy farm, stirring concerns as the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is found beyond poultry, said Michigan's agriculture officials on Friday. An infected dairy herd, confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories, is believed to be linked to another infected farm in Texas, according to The Detroit News.
Michigan isn't alone, as cases have also cropped up in dairy herds across Kansas, New Mexico, and Idaho. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the virus strain in Michigan, Texas, and Kansas is likely transmitted by wild birds, though they haven't ruled out the potential for cattle-to-cattle transmission.
The Montcalm County farm, in efforts to contain the outbreak, has halted the movement of its livestock. "Our highest priorities at MDARD remain protecting our food supply and ensuring animal health," said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring. He encouraged all producers to contact their veterinarians about their animals' health and to step up biosecurity measures.
State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland emphasized the importance of vigilance and biosecurity on farms. "As more is learned, it is vitally important for producers to work with their veterinarian and isolate sick animals from others, minimize the number of visitors to their farms, prevent contact between their animals and wildlife, and continue to vigilantly monitor the health of their animals," Wineland told The Detroit News.
Transmission of HPAI can occur through direct contact with infected birds or animals, or indirectly via contaminated items such as feed, equipment, or clothing. While the infected Montcalm County cows are recovering, the farm has stopped moving livestock to limit the spreading of the disease. The agriculture department has assured the public that there is no immediate health risk and no contaminated milk or meat will enter the food supply chain.
Amid the ongoing outbreak, which hit Michigan farms last year, state agriculture officials reiterated that human health risk remains low and the virus has not shown significant mutation to increase its transmissibility among mammals. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development urges anyone suspecting HPAI presence in domestic animals to contact their department without delay.
