IONIA COUNTY, Mich. — A strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in chickens in Ionia County, The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) says.
MDARD received a report of a possible HPAI outbreak from a Herbruck's Poultry Ranch, Inc. commercial facility in the county and it was confirmed by the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
Officials say that this is the first detection of HPAI in Ionia County and the fourth detection in commercial facilities in the state since it was first discovered in 2022.
“As the weather remains cool and wild birds continue their migration, conditions are ideal for the virus to thrive and spread. While these conditions persist, the need to take preventative measures will be high,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “Keeping HPAI out of Michigan’s domestic animals remains a team effort, and it must be a top
priority for all.”
MDARD says that HPAI is highly contagious and can spread easily from flock to flock through contact with infected poultry, infected wild birds, or through contact with equipment and caretakers.
Herbruck's Green Meadows Organics facility has been placed under quarantine and the birds will be depopulated to prevent the spread.
"Michigan's egg farmers are among the most proactive in the country, with their diligence leading to rapid detection of HPAI in this flock,” said Dr. Nancy Barr, executive director of Michigan Allied Poultry Industries. “Strict biosecurity measures are in place to protect flocks from the increased threat of HPAI.”
Jennifer Holton, the communications director of MDARD said there are different ways farm owners and people who have birds can reduce their risk.
"Make sure you're disinfecting your boots, making sure you're not moving equipment from one coop to another now who's sharing clothing and stuff in between that ensuring that there's not open water source between wild birds and your domestic birds," said Holton.
Herbruck's CEP Greg Herbruck share a statement after the announcement of the HPAI outbreak:
“Herbruck’s is heartbroken by the loss of any hen, and we were devastated to learn that some of the hens at our Green Meadow Organics facility are infected with highly pathogenic Avian Influenza. Over the weekend, our company veterinarian noticed sick birds at the facility and lab results confirmed our fears that Avian Influenza was present. Our team worked quickly to implement protocols to protect the rest of our flocks – along with our longstanding biosecurity measures – including prohibiting movement between our Green Meadow Organics facility and other sites. The U.S. Department of Agriculture mandates complete depopulation of the impacted facility, and we are fully cooperating with state and federal regulators on this situation. We remain committed to protecting the rest of our flocks and keeping our team members and customers informed during this challenging time, as we work as quickly and safely as possible to disinfect and begin production again at this farm.”
The CDC says the risk of avian influenza risk to the public is low. Officials added that no animals infected with HPAI will be allowed to enter the commercial food chain.
MDARD recommends a few key steps to protect the health and vitality of domestic birds in Michigan:
- Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.
- Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.
- Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.
- Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
- Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.
- Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
- Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
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