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Three new cases of bird flu have been detected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, or MDARD, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, estimates about a quarter of million birds are currently affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, in the state.
The new cases were detected at the end of 2024 in a backyard flock in Jackson County and two commercial poultry facilities in Ottawa County.
As the COVID-19 pandemic was winding down in 2022, HPAI began sweeping through the United States impacting more than 100 million wild, commercial and backyard birds to date.
From the start, experts said the spread of the pathogenic virus wasn’t a threat to human life and the Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, currently deems the public health risk as low, but there have been, as of the end of 2024, at least 66 cases in humans. Most cases have had mild symptoms, but the virus can be deadly, according to the CDC.
The newest three cases of bird flu in Michigan mark the first case in Jackson County since the outbreak was recognized in 2022 and the fourth case in Ottawa County in December , according to MDARD.
The virus has also been spreading to other mammals including dairy cows, and dairy workers have been among the few human cases. In May of 2024, the CDC announced that a second dairy worker in Michigan had been identified as being infected.
Michigan is amongst top states for the spread of bird flu through cattle with 29 cases found in dairy cows since the start of the outbreak.
Bird flu is not infecting humans through the commercial consumption of goods, but rather contact with infected animals or equipment, MDARD cautioned in a news release.
In order to curb the spread of bird flu, MDARD is asking the public to adhere to biosecurity measures, use appropriate personal protective equipment and safely handle and cook poultry and eggs.
“As HPAI continues to circulate in wild birds, taking steps to prevent both direct and indirect contact between wildlife and domestic animals is important to prevent disease introduction,” State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM said. “Anyone caring for domestic animals needs to be aware of all the ways the virus could spread and take action to mitigate those risks. Protecting animal health will benefit both people and animals.”
MDARD is directing Michiganders in ownership or contact with hobby birds and commercial flocks to adhere to key steps to protect the health and safety of the state’s domestic birds.
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