MICHIGAN, USA — With the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) spreading among dairy herds and poultry flocks in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging you to postpone any trips to these farms.
HPAI originates in wild birds and spreads to other animals, including livestock. This disease can also spread to humans. Since 2022, the MDHHS said there have been four cases of HPAI in humans. Two of these cases were recently detected in Michigan.
While HPAI is generally not a threat to the public, the MDHHS said they are taking an abundance of caution. Dairy and poultry farms are being encouraged to keep any nonessential visitors from entering their farms amid the outbreak.
This means any schools, daycares, camps or other programs should also postpone any planned field trips to farms.
Anyone who has visited a farm recently is asked to monitor themselves for signs of HPAI. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, difficulty breathing, conjunctivitis, sneezing, fatigue, body aches, headaches, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and/or rash.
If you experience these symptoms after visiting a farm with dairy cows or poultry, you should contact your local health department.
Michigan recorded its first case of HPAI this year back in April. Since then, there have been several outbreaks in Ionia, Isabella, Newaygo and Ottawa counties. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development issued an emergency order to help stop the spread of the illness on May 1.
The outbreak has even led to a mass layoff at Herbruck's Poultry Ranch in Ionia County.
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