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Nearly one-third of counties in Michigan have had confirmed cases of bird flu since 2022.
Alpena County is the latest to join the ranks of those counties that have detected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), according to a Monday news release from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
The virus began sweeping through every state starting in 2022 as the COVID-19 pandemic was waning and nearly 150 million wild, commercial, hobby and backyard birds have been affected nationwide to date, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Counties all over Michigan have detected cases from metro Detroit to the Upper Peninsula. HPAI is a highly contagious virus that is spread easily either from direct contact with infected animals or from contamination from equipment, clothing and shoes.
In addition to affecting birds, HPAI has been known to spread to mammals, such as cows and humans.
Although cases of humans contracting HPAI are rare — only 67 cases have been recorded in the U.S. — the virus has been detected in at least two dairy workers in Michigan.
The CDC has said the public health risk from HPAI is low and most human cases have been mild, but infection can lead to more serious illness or death. MDARD is continuing to caution that no birds or bird products that are infected with HPAI have entered the commercial food chain, but individuals should be cautious when interacting with backyard or commercial birds and should properly prepare all poultry and eggs.
Agriculture is a top industry in Michigan and along with other Midwestern states, produces much of the country’s eggs. Michigan produces nearly 9 million chickens for consumption annually and more than 5 million turkeys.
In December, California declared a state of emergency to address the spread of HPAI. Although West Virginia has had fairly low case numbers of HPAI, the state agriculture department recently put a hold on all poultry exhibitions and sales in the state.
In order to curb the spread of HPAI in Michigan, MDARD is directing individuals to separate any domestic birds in their care from wild birds. Those caring or interacting with birds should use appropriate personal protection equipment and sanitize their hands, gear and equipment, being mindful to not cross contaminate coops.
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