Michigan's poultry community is on alert as additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been confirmed. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recently reported that new infections have cropped up in three commercial flocks from Ottawa County, a backyard flock in Monroe County, and another backyard group in St. Clair County. These figures are adding to a growing list of affected birds this year, with Ottawa County alone facing its fifteenth case since the virus first hit the state in 2022, according to an announcement published on the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development website.
The contagious HPAI virus continues to pose a threat to the poultry industry, easily spreading through contact with infected animals, contaminated equipment, and even on the clothing of those caring for the birds. Despite the recent outbreaks, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reiterated that the risk to public health remains low, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development stated. The standard advice remains: people should always properly handle and cook poultry and eggs to ensure safety.
To combat the spread of this virus, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development stresses the importance of strict biosecurity measures for anyone involved with poultry, whether they own a few backyard birds or operate large commercial farms. Such precautions include isolating domestic birds from their wild counterparts, diligent sanitation of hands and equipment, and the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE), the department's guidance enumerated. Keeping poultry feed secure from rodents and wild birds is also crucial.
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is actively collaborating with various partners to respond swiftly to reports of sick animals and halt the virus's advance. They have called upon domestic bird owners and caretakers to keep an eye out for signs of the disease, such as multiple sudden deaths, a drop in egg production, or an uptick in sick birds. "If avian influenza is suspected in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours)," the announcement from Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development detailed.
Those observing deaths among wild bird populations that seem unusual or unexplained can use the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 'Eyes in the Field' app, selecting "Diseased Wildlife" under "Observation Forms," or call the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory directly. Staying informed is as simple as subscribing to email notifications on the MDARD's Media Room website, ensuring updates on avian influenza in Michigan land directly in subscribers' inboxes.
Comprehensive guidance on how to protect poultry flocks from avian influenza, including information on best biosecurity practices, is available on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website. MDARD, in collaboration with local and federal entities, continues to emphasize the need for vigilance and the swift reporting of potential cases to keep Michigan's avian community healthy and thriving.
