GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Bird flu cases continue to rise around the country. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recently announced the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial flock in Ottawa County after their investigation.
This is the fifth case detected in poultry in Ottawa County this year, the department said. The detection was found at a commercial turkey farm where more than 60,000 birds were affected.
Additional bird flu cases have also been detected in the Dakotas. In North Dakota, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services confirmed a case of HPAI in a commercial turkey flock in Lamoure County. More than 24,000 birds were affected. This is the sixth case in the state this year, and the second in Lamoure County. Before this confirmation, the last detection was on Sept. 10, also on a turkey farm.
In South Dakota, APHIS confirmed a case of HPAI also in a commercial turkey flock in Mcpherson County. More than 63,000 birds were affected. This is the 16th confirmed case in the state this year, and the fourth in Mcpherson County. Before this confirmation, the last detection was on Oct. 28, also on a turkey farm location.
There has also been an increase in cases of wild birds with the virus. In Washington, the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health recently announced the detection of bird flu in three local wild birds. The positive birds were two Canadian geese and one great-horned owl, found in Pioneer Park.
This uptick in cases is a reminder to poultry farmers and producers to remain vigilant in their biosecurity practices. To protect your flock, remember to:
- Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds.
- Wash your hands before and after handling birds.
- Clean and disinfect boots, gear, equipment, and other supplies.
- Keep poultry feed secure to prevent wild birds and rodents from getting into it.
On Nov. 4, APHIS reported that for the previous 30 days there have been 29 commercial flocks and 36 backyard flocks affected by HPAI. Commercial flocks include 12 in Minnesota and 5 in Indiana. These combined confirmations totaled 3.50 million affected birds.
For more information on bird flu, visit APHIS at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza.
