State of Michigan testing recently confirmed avian influenza in two bald eagles found dead at separate sites in Dickinson and Iron counties.

It is believed the eagles picked up the virus from feeding on sick waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, which are thought to be particularly susceptible to avian influenza.

The Dickinson-Iron District Health Department also announced it has alerted those with domestic poultry in the two counties to be aware that HPAI, or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, had been detected, and urged them to take proper precautions to protect their birds.

It wasn’t the first avian flu case reported in the Upper Peninsula. In April, it was detected in a non-commercial domestic backyard flock in Menominee County.

Things to watch out for, DIDHD said, include unusual deaths, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption or an increase in sick birds.

If avian influenza is suspected in domestic birds, those tending them should immediately contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at 800-292-3939 during the day or 517-373-0440 after hours.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that HPAI occurs mainly in birds, is highly contagious and can be deadly, particularly in domestic poultry.

It noted that the HPAI H5N1 virus detected in the U.S. is a new combination of avian influenza genes not previously seen, but no human cases associated with the virus have been reported and it considers the risk to people low. However, the CDC said it’s possible it could infect people and cause serious disease.

MDARD said following certain measures can help protest domestic birds. For people with just a few backyard birds or a large commercial flock, preventing contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing the domestic birds indoors or ensuring that their outdoor area is fully enclosed is an important step.

Bird owners should wash their hands before and handling birds, disinfect boots and other gear when moving birds between coops, and not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.

Other measures are cleaning and disinfecting equipment between use, using well or municipal water as drinking water for birds, and keeping poultry feed secure to eliminate contact between the feed and wild birds or rodents.

It seems that there always is something in the wild that can pose a danger to farm animals, wildlife and humans, and avian flu is one of those dangers.

We urge people with domestic birds to take precautions, not only for the sake of their birds but the ecosystem in general — which includes people.