Chicken farm (Shutterstock)
December 17, 2024
The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza in an Ottawa County flock, following an investigation from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)
According to an announcement from the department Monday, this is the first detection of the disease in a Michigan poultry flock since the state worked to manage the largest outbreak of the disease in May 2024 and the second in an Ottawa County commercial facility since the disease was first detected in the state in 2022.
“Slowing the spread of HPAI to protect human health is a top priority at MDARD,” MDARD Director Tim Boring said in a statement. “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.”
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly-contagious virus that can spread flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.
The affected flock is under quarantine, and the birds will be culled to prevent the disease from spreading, with MDARD noting these efforts will help to ensure the safety and integrity of the commercial food supply.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the public health risk for avian influenza remains low.
No birds or bird products infected with avian influenza will enter the commercial food supply chain, though MDARD notes people should properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs.
It also encourages anyone working with domestic birds to:
Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.Wash their hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops
Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.
Not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies. 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 or feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
“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 Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive. “Preventing spread from animals to humans is vital if we want to limit the impact of this virus.”
Domestic bird owners and caretakers are advised to watch for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, or an increase in sick birds. If they suspect avian influenza, they should immediately contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 during the daytime or 517-373-0440 after hours.
Individuals who notice unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations can report them to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app by Choosing the “Diseased Wildlife” option among the selections for “Observation Forms,” or by calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza in an Ottawa County flock, following an investigation from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)
According to an announcement from the department Monday, this is the first detection of the disease in a Michigan poultry flock since the state worked to manage the largest outbreak of the disease in May 2024 and the second in an Ottawa County commercial facility since the disease was first detected in the state in 2022.
“Slowing the spread of HPAI to protect human health is a top priority at MDARD,” MDARD Director Tim Boring said in a statement. “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.”
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly-contagious virus that can spread flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.
The affected flock is under quarantine, and the birds will be culled to prevent the disease from spreading, with MDARD noting these efforts will help to ensure the safety and integrity of the commercial food supply.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the public health risk for avian influenza remains low.
No birds or bird products infected with avian influenza will enter the commercial food supply chain, though MDARD notes people should properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs.
It also encourages anyone working with domestic birds to:
Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.Wash their hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops
Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.
Not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies. 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 or feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
“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 Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive. “Preventing spread from animals to humans is vital if we want to limit the impact of this virus.”
Domestic bird owners and caretakers are advised to watch for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, or an increase in sick birds. If they suspect avian influenza, they should immediately contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 during the daytime or 517-373-0440 after hours.
Individuals who notice unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations can report them to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app by Choosing the “Diseased Wildlife” option among the selections for “Observation Forms,” or by calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
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