While the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has not reported any new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic poultry flocks since March 2023, MDARD continues to receive and investigate calls regarding sick domestic birds, and the virus is still being detected across the nation. These detections coupled with the fall migration of wild birds means it is necessary to continue following precautionary measures to protect domestic flocks and keep birds healthy.
While the rate of HPAI detections have decreased in Michigan and the United States, this does not mean the threat posed by the virus has been eliminated. As the disease continues to circulate in wild birds, their fall migration can cause the virus to spread once again, said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM. It is just as important now as it was at the start of the outbreak for bird owners to take every step they can to protect their birds from being exposed to wild birds and their germs.
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including through wild birds, contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.
Since late February 2022, MDARD received over 260 calls about possible cases of HPAI, which resulted in 81 investigations. These investigations led to the detection of 24 cases of the disease in domestic birds, 20 involved non-commercial backyard flocks, three cases occurred in hunting preserves, and one case was in a commercial flock. These cases were found in 15 counties across the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
Source: michigan.gov
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski
Categories: Michigan, Livestock, Poultry