BIRD FLU NEARS REGION

Highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in Wexford County backyard flock

Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard poultry flock from Wexford County and may move further toward mid-michigan.

This most recent finding of HPAI emphasizes the ongoing high risk for the disease in Michigan and underscores the need for bird owners to maintain their vigilance in protecting their flocks.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. To protect other flocks in Michigan, the premises is currently under quarantine, and the birds will be depopulated to prevent disease spread.

The flock contained approximately 60 birds of various species.

“Even though temperatures have cooled, wild birds are continuing to migrate and spread the virus. The best strategy we have against HPAI is prevention,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland. “Backyard and commercial flock owners need to do everything they can to keep wild birds and their germs away from domestic flocks. MDARD is continuing to promptly respond to all suspected cases of HPAI to minimize the impact of the disease.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.

Also, no birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain. As a reminder, people are encouraged to use caution when selecting food for themselves and their families as well as to properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs.

Whether it’s a few backyard birds or a large commercial flock, following a few key steps is fundamental to protect the health and vitality of Michigan’s domestic birds:

MDARD is continuing to work diligently with local, state, and federal partners to quickly respond to reports of sick or dead domestic birds to best mitigate the spread of HPAI and provide outreach.

REPORTING POSSIBLE CASES For domestic birds

Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for unusual deaths, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, or an increase 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).

For wild birds

If anyone notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations, please report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by:

Stay up to date

Subscribe to receive email notifications by visiting MDARD’S website and clicking on the “Avian Influenza” link. After entering a valid email address, subscribers will receive updates and alerts regarding the status of avian influenza in Michigan whenever there are new developments to report. Additional resources can also be found at Michigan.gov/birdflu.

More information on avian influenza and how to protect flocks through biosecurity measures can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO Cage-free chickens walk in a fenced pasture at an organic farm near Waukon, Iowa, in 2015. A highly pathogenic avian influenza strain was discovered in a backyard poultry flock in Wexford County, a little northwest of mid-michigan.