The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a commercial poultry farm in Ottawa County. This is the first case in Michigan since May 2024 and the second in Ottawa County since Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was first found in the state in 2022, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is focused on slowing the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza to protect human health. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring said, "Slowing the spread of HPAI to protect human health is a top priority at MDARD." While the CDC says the public health risk remains low, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, stressed that "Preventing spread from animals to humans is vital if we want to limit the impact of this virus." Affected farms have been quarantined, and plans to depopulate the birds are underway. State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland warned that "conditions are ideal for the virus to thrive and spread," making biosecurity measures essential.
Avian caretakers should avoid contact between domestic and wild birds, wash hands regularly, and clean or discard equipment that can’t be sanitized. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is working with other agencies to manage Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and raise awareness. Bird owners should report any sudden deaths or drop in egg production. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provide information on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and protective equipment. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources tracks the disease in wild birds, with reporting available through their "Eyes in the Field" app or by phone for unusual bird deaths.
