IONIA COUNTY, Mich. – Bird flu has been found at a commercial poultry facility in Ionia County.
Bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), was first detected in Michigan in 2022. The detection in Ionia County is the fourth detection of HPAI in a commercial facility and the first detection in Ionia County.
“As the weather remains cool and wild birds continue their migration, conditions are ideal for the virus to thrive and spread. While these conditions persist, the need to take preventative measures will be high,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM.
The state is urging people to take steps to protect their animals from wild birds and the germs they could be carrying as wild birds complete their spring migration.
Bird flu is highly contagious virus that can be spread by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on clothing and shoes of caretakers. The location in Ionia County is under quarantine and the birds will be killed to prevent the disease from spreading.
“Michigan’s egg farmers are among the most proactive in the country, with their diligence leading to rapid detection of HPAI in this flock,” said Dr. Nancy Barr, executive director of Michigan Allied Poultry Industries. “Strict biosecurity measures are in place to protect flocks from the increased threat of HPAI.”
Recently, bird flu was detected in a dairy herd in Montcalm County. The cases in that herd are believed to be linked to bird flu cases found in cattle in Texas.
Bird flu can spread to humans, and a person in Texas was diagnosed with bird flu in a case that’s been linked to the cases in cattle. People have been known to catch bird flu from birds, but this is the first case of a human catching the version of bird flu from a mammal. According to the CDC, the risk to the public remains low.
The case in Texas is the second case involving a person from the United States was diagnosed with what’s known as Type A H5N1 virus. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program was diagnosed with bird flu after killing infected birds at a poultry farm in Colorado. He recovered.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 460 people have died in the past two decades from bird flu infections.
What is HPAI?
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a very contagious virus that can be spread between flocks through contact with infected birds, equipment, or the clothing and shoes of caretakers.
The virus has been detected in various mammals, it is believed they got it after having contact with sick birds.
One of the major indicators of HPAI is sudden death and high death losses. Sick birds may show neurological signs like difficulty walking, lack of appetite, low energy, or lack of vocalization.
You might notice a significant drop in egg production, swollen combs, wattles, legs, or head. They could also have diarrhea, nasal discharge, sneezing, or coughing.
Ducks and geese are considered carriers, but geese generally do not pass on bird flu.
How to protect domestic birds
The Michigan DNR has offered the following steps to protect the health of birds you care for:
- 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 as well as when moving between different coops.
- Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops
- Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
- Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.
- Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
- Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
Can humans get HPAI?
Yes. While it primarily affects birds, it is a zoonotic disease and can potentially pass from domestic or wild animals to humans.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with HPAI remains low, but advises people to avoid handling any sick or dead wild birds.
How to report possible cases of bird flu
Domestic bird owners and caretakers should keep an eye out for 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 you suspect birds you care for have avian influenza, you should contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
Anyone who notices unusual or unexplained deaths among wild birds can report cases to the Michigan Department of Resources online using the Eyes in the Field app or by calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
How to report a sick bird
Domestic bird owners should watch out for unusual deaths, a drop in egg protection, a decrease in water consumption or an increase in sick birds. If you suspect your birds have bird flu you should contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
If you see any unusual or unexplained deaths among wild birds you can report those to the DNR through the Eyes in the Field app (select observation forms) or by calling 517-336-5030.