More bird flu outbreaks in two Michigan counties

Flocks in two Michigan counties are the latest to be infected with highly pathogenic bird flu.

State officials have reported confirmed cases of bird flu in a backyard flock in Jackson County and two other commercial poultry facilities in Ottawa County, according to a Monday, Dec. 30 announcement from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Ottawa County has now had four confirmed outbreaks this month. The Jackson case is the first in the county since early 2022.

Bird flu is a highly contagious virus that spreads from one flock to another through contact with infected animals, through equipment and on the clothes and shoes of keepers.

The risk to the public remains low, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No infected birds or poultry products will enter the commercial food chain, officials said.

The outbreaks were investigated by the state, with Michigan State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory used to confirm detection of avian influenza.

The names of the outbreak facilities cannot be released under Michigan law, a state official said. Federal records did not include the most recent outbreaks announced by the state on Monday.

Following a confirmed outbreak, the facility is quarantined and the birds will be euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.

All 50 states have been affected by the bird flu outbreak that has infected more than 127 million wild waterfowl, commercial birds and poultry since January 2022. As of Monday, 1,349 flock outbreaks were reported, according to the CDC.

Bird flu viruses do not commonly infect humans, but there have been rare cases of mild to severe illness. Human infections most often occurred after close or prolonged unprotected contact with infected birds or their saliva, mucus, and feces, according to the CDC.

Anyone caring for domestic animals needs to be aware of how the virus can spread so they can mitigate the risk, said state veterinarian Nora Wineland. They should prevent direct and indirect contact between wild animals and domestic animals.

“Protecting animal health will benefit both people and animals,” Wineland said.

Tips to protect your pet birds include:

Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is completely enclosed.
Wash your hands before and after handling birds and when moving between different pens.
Disinfect boots and other equipment when moving between cuttings.
Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, throw it away.
Use well or city water as your bird’s drinking water.
Keep bird feed safe to ensure there is no contact between feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

Poultry owners and caretakers should be on the lookout for potential signs of avian influenza, including multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a decrease in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, or increased numbers of birds sick. release.

If bird flu is suspected in domestic birds, keepers are advised to contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after hours).

If anyone notices what appear to be unusual or unexplained deaths in wild bird populations, they can report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) using the DNR. Eyes in the Field app (choose the “Sick Wildlife” option from the selections for “Observation Forms”) or by calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.

For more information on the correct use of personal protective equipment to protect against bird flu, you can find on the website Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.

More information about bird flu and how to protect flocks with preventive measures can be found on the US Department of Agriculture. website.