LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory recently detected a presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock in Allegan County, Mich. This detection comes after an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
This is the first case of HPAI in poultry from an Allegan County flock since the virus was first detected in Michigan in 2022, the MDARD said in a statement.
To ensure the health of Michigan’s domestic animals and the public, it is important for farmers to adhere to biosecurity measures and use personal protective equipment.
To do so, for both commercial and backyard flocks, farmers should:
- Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.
- Wash their hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving them 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 can’t 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 feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
The MDARD stated that they are continuing to work diligently with local, state and federal partners to quickly respond to reports of sick domestic animals to best mitigate the spread of HPAI and provide outreach.
On Sept. 23, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reported that for the previous 30 days there have been 11 commercial flocks and 7 backyard flocks affected by HPAI. The commercial flocks include 8 in South Dakota and 2 in North Dakota. These combined confirmations total 550,000 affected birds.
For more information on bird flu, visit APHIS at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza.
