LANSING, Mich. — The first detected case of bird flu in a commercial flock in Michigan since May 2024 was announced Monday following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in an Ottawa County flock.
The birds came from a commercial poultry facility in the county, but MDARD did not name the owner of the facility.
MDARD said that this is the second case of the virus in a commercial poultry facility from Ottawa County since it was first detected in the state in 2022.
“Slowing the spread of HPAI to protect human health is a top priority at MDARD,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Implementing on-farm biosecurity and expanding our HPAI surveillance efforts are key strategies to prevent opportunities for the virus to infect domestic animal species and potentially spread and become a more concerning human threat.”
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can spread from flock to flock through equipment, wild birds, contact with infected animals and on clothing of workers.
MDARD said that the facility where HPAI was discovered is under quarantine and the birds will be depopulated to prevent further spread of the disease.
“Since this disease is capable of affecting animals and the people who care for them, it is important for farm workers to continue using personal protective equipment to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Preventing spread from animals to humans is vital if we want to limit the impact of this virus.”
The CDC said that risk to public health is low and that no products from birds infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain.
MDARD recommends following these steps to protect the health of Michigan's domestic birds:
- 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.
To report a possible HPAI case in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
To report a possible case in wild birds, use the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app or call the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
