Avian Flu Hits Michigan Again: What You Need to Know About the Latest HPAI Outbreak in Ottawa County
Michigan is facing its second confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry facility in Ottawa County, following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). This marks the first detection of the disease in Michigan poultry since May 2024, when the state grappled with its largest outbreak of the virus. As temperatures remain cold and wild bird populations continue to circulate the virus, experts are urging farmers and caretakers to take immediate action to contain the disease and prevent its spread.
A Serious Threat to Public Health and Animal Health
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can easily spread between poultry flocks, particularly in areas where wild birds are present. Infected animals, contaminated equipment, and even the clothing and shoes of caretakers can contribute to the virus’s transmission. “Slowing the spread of HPAI to protect human health is a top priority,” said Tim Boring, Director of MDARD. “Implementing on-farm biosecurity measures and enhancing our surveillance efforts are crucial in preventing the virus from spreading and potentially posing a greater human health threat.”
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low, farm workers and others who come in close contact with infected animals are urged to take personal protective measures. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, stressed the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect not only the workers but also their families from potential exposure.
What’s Being Done to Contain the Outbreak?
The affected poultry facility in Ottawa County is currently under quarantine, and the decision has been made to depopulate the infected birds to prevent further spread. “As the weather remains cold and HPAI continues to circulate in wild bird populations, conditions are ideal for the virus to thrive and spread,” said Dr. Nora Wineland, Michigan’s state veterinarian. To prevent the disease from infecting other flocks, MDARD is enforcing stringent biosecurity measures, such as keeping domestic animals away from wild birds, disinfecting equipment regularly, and ensuring that all poultry feed is secure from wild animals.
Steps to Protect Michigan’s Poultry Flocks
Whether you are managing a small backyard flock or a large commercial facility, there are several essential steps to take to protect Michigan’s poultry from HPAI:
Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or securing their outdoor areas.
Wash hands before and after handling birds or moving between different coops.
Disinfect boots and other equipment when moving between coops or farms.
Avoid sharing equipment between different coops or farms.
Clean and disinfect any equipment or supplies between uses, and discard items that cannot be disinfected.
Use municipal or well water for bird drinking, and keep poultry feed secured away from wild birds or rodents.
Keeping the Public Safe: No Impact on Food Supply
According to MDARD and the CDC, there is no risk that infected birds or their products will enter the commercial food supply. The virus’s current impact on public health remains minimal, but vigilance is necessary to prevent further outbreaks. As always, proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs is essential for food safety.
Looking Ahead: Ongoing Efforts to Combat HPAI
MDARD continues to work closely with local, state, and federal partners to quickly respond to reports of sick domestic animals and mitigate the spread of HPAI. With the cold weather and ongoing circulation of the virus among wild birds, continued vigilance and prompt reporting are critical in safeguarding Michigan’s poultry industry and public health.
As the situation develops, it’s crucial for farmers, veterinarians, and the public to stay informed and adhere to the biosecurity guidelines to protect animals and limit the risk to human health.
