Two commercial turkey farms in Kent County are under tight control this week after testing positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, as state and federal animal-health crews scramble to box in the virus. The timing is no coincidence: wild birds are wrapping up spring migration, which often spikes the risk for domestic flocks.
Federal data show about 51,700 birds at one farm and roughly 26,700 at the other, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with those figures reported by MLive. State and federal partners have quarantined the affected properties, are tracking where people and equipment have moved, and are keeping a close eye on neighboring farms to head off any further spread.
State response and testing
After on-site investigations, testing at the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the presence of HPAI, and state officials say they are coordinating response efforts with local and federal partners.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is urging all bird owners to tighten biosecurity: bring birds indoors or fully enclose outdoor areas, disinfect boots and gear, avoid sharing equipment, use protected feed and safe water sources, and watch closely for red-flag signs like sudden deaths or sharp drops in water intake or egg production. For reporting and guidance on sick domestic birds, MDARD has provided daytime and after-hours phone numbers in its official notice. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, these basic but strict steps are critical to slowing the virus down.
Public health and food safety
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to rate the public-health risk from this strain of avian influenza as low for the general public. The agency also stresses that properly handling and fully cooking poultry and eggs protects against foodborne risk.
The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which performs the state's confirmatory testing, offers resources on testing protocols and sample submission for veterinarians and producers. For broader human-health guidance, officials point to the CDC and the laboratory's information at MSU’s VDL.
MDARD says it will keep posting updates as state and federal teams track control measures and move through their investigation playbook. Members of the public who notice unusual or unexplained wild-bird deaths are asked to report them through the Michigan DNR's Eyes in the Field app or by contacting the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030. For official state press releases and case updates, residents can follow MDARD's ongoing HPAI notices, per MDARD.
