Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Jackson and Ottawa County Flocks
December 30, 2024
Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry facility located in Ottawa County. This is the second detection of HPAI in an Ottawa County flock this month. Biosecurity measures continue to be critical to help ensure the health of Michigan's domestic animals and the general public.
"Slowing the spread of HPAI to protect human health is a top priority at MDARD," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "Implementing on-farm biosecurity and expanding the state's HPAI surveillance efforts are key strategies to prevent opportunities for the virus to infect domestic animal species and potentially spread and become a more concerning human threat."
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"Even though the weather is cold, HPAI continues to circulate in wild bird populations creating ideal conditions for the virus to thrive and spread," said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "It's critical to prevent disease introduction by taking biosecurity measures such as keeping domestic animals away from wild birds and cleaning and disinfecting equipment between uses."
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Reporting Possible Cases
For Domestic Birds
Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, or an increase in sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
For Wild Birds
If anyone notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations, please report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by:
December 30, 2024
Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry facility located in Ottawa County. This is the second detection of HPAI in an Ottawa County flock this month. Biosecurity measures continue to be critical to help ensure the health of Michigan's domestic animals and the general public.
"Slowing the spread of HPAI to protect human health is a top priority at MDARD," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "Implementing on-farm biosecurity and expanding the state's HPAI surveillance efforts are key strategies to prevent opportunities for the virus to infect domestic animal species and potentially spread and become a more concerning human threat."
-snip-
"Even though the weather is cold, HPAI continues to circulate in wild bird populations creating ideal conditions for the virus to thrive and spread," said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "It's critical to prevent disease introduction by taking biosecurity measures such as keeping domestic animals away from wild birds and cleaning and disinfecting equipment between uses."
-snip-
Reporting Possible Cases
For Domestic Birds
Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, or an increase in sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
For Wild Birds
If anyone notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations, please report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by:
- Using the DNR's Eyes in the Field app. Choose the Diseased Wildlife option among the selections for Observation Forms.
- Calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
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