Those who own or care for birds should be on high alert, as the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recently reported the first confirmed detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Upper Peninsula. It was found in a noncommercial backyard flock from Menominee County. This is the third detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in domestic birds in the state, with the first confirmed detection reported in February in a noncommercial backyard flock in downstate Kalamazoo County.

Confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in birds have been reported in over 25 states since the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported in January that the virus was detected in a wild bird in South Carolina. The January detection of highly pathogenic Eurasian H5 avian influenza in the wild bird was the first such detection in the United States since 2016, according to the USDA.

However, officials are emphasizing that while poultry owners and care takers should take extra precautions, the situation does “not present an immediate public health concern,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Like previous domestic bird detections in both Kalamazoo and Macomb counties, this is another isolated case of the virus, and there are no anticipated disruptions to supply chains and no threat to public health or food safety,” MDARD officials said in a news release.

No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States, officials said. No birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the food chain, health officials said, but emphasized that all poultry and eggs should be handled and cooked properly.

However, those who own or care for birds will need to exercise caution.

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.

“As wild birds continue their spring migration and spread the disease, it’s critical Michigan’s backyard and commercial flock owners take every possible precaution to protect their birds through biosecurity. Maintaining the health of Michigan’s domestic birds is a team effort,” state veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said in a news release. “Increasing biosecurity protects not only your flock but others around the state. Now more than ever, it is essential poultry owners to take every step possible to keep wild birds away from their flocks and follow strict biosecurity measures.”

Whether it’s a few backyard birds or a large commercial flock, MDARD indicated that following biosecurity measures are fundamental to protect the health and vitality of Michigan’s domestic birds:

≤ Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.

≤ Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.

≤ Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.

≤ 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, 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/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

Poultry owners and caretakers should watch for unusual deaths, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption or an increase in sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 daytime or 517-373-0440 after-hours.

We urge those who care for or own birds to remain vigilant and take all of the recommended precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, as these measures are designed to prevent the spread of the virus. Taking these precautions means doing your part to protect flocks across the state, region and nation.