Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock from Montmorency County. This is the first case of HPAI in Montmorency County since the disease was first detected in the state in 2022. Despite the cooler winter temperatures, it is still vital for every bird owner to protect their flock from being exposed to wild birds and the germs they could be carrying.
"Unfortunately, the HPAI virus is not impeded by colder temperatures, and it will continue to remain a threat as long as wild birds are continuing to carry the virus," said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "Keeping domestic birds away from natural bodies of water, not feeding them next to wild birds or in areas where wild birds have been, and preventing them from interacting with wild birds are all essential practices to ensure domestic birds can stay healthy and safe."
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. To protect other flocks in Michigan, the premises is currently under quarantine, and the birds will be depopulated to prevent disease spread. The flock contained approximately 100 birds of various species.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low. Also, no birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain. As a reminder, people should properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs.
Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock from Montmorency County. This is the first case of HPAI in Montmorency County since the disease was first detected in the state in 2022. Despite the cooler winter temperatures, it is still vital for every bird owner to protect their flock from being exposed to wild birds and the germs they could be carrying.
"Unfortunately, the HPAI virus is not impeded by colder temperatures, and it will continue to remain a threat as long as wild birds are continuing to carry the virus," said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "Keeping domestic birds away from natural bodies of water, not feeding them next to wild birds or in areas where wild birds have been, and preventing them from interacting with wild birds are all essential practices to ensure domestic birds can stay healthy and safe."
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. To protect other flocks in Michigan, the premises is currently under quarantine, and the birds will be depopulated to prevent disease spread. The flock contained approximately 100 birds of various species.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low. Also, no birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain. As a reminder, people should properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs.
Source: michigan.gov
Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex
Categories: Michigan, Livestock, Poultry