Bird flu discovered in Eaton County

EATON COUNTY, Mich. (WILX) – Eaton County backyard chickens have been confirmed infected with the first case of bird flu or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

To protect other flocks in Michigan, the premises are currently under quarantine and the birds have been depopulated to prevent the spread of disease. The flock contained about 15 chickens.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread from flock to flock in a variety of ways, including through wild birds, contact with infected poultry, equipment, and clothing and footwear. guards.

“Although there has been no detection of HPAI in a Michigan domestic flock since December 2022, the virus has continued to circulate in wild birds. As these birds migrate this spring, their movement increases the risk of disease spread,” said state veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland.

Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory said it was the first detection of HPAI in a Michigan domestic herd in 2023 and the first case in Eaton County.

According to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with this detection of avian influenza remains low. Additionally, no HPAI-infected birds or bird products will enter the commercial food chain. As a reminder, people should handle properly and cook all the poultry and eggs.

Whether it’s a few backyard birds or a large commercial flock, following some key steps is fundamental to protecting the health and vitality of Michigan’s domesticated 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 and when moving between different barns.
• Disinfect boots and other equipment when moving between barns.
• Do not share equipment or other supplies between co-ops or other farms.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, throw it away.
• Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
• Store poultry feed in a safe place to ensure that there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

Owners and custodians of domestic birds should watch for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water intake, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing or an increase in the number 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 appear to be unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations, please report such cases to Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MRN) by calling the MNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.

More information on avian influenza and how to protect flocks with biosecurity measures can be found on the United States Department of Agriculture website. website.

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