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 upland gamebirds from a hunting preserve in Lapeer County.
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This is the second detection of HPAI in a Michigan domestic flock in 2023, and the fifth case detected in Lapeer County.
As wild birds continue to migrate, bird owners need to take every possible precaution to prevent their flocks from being exposed to the disease.
“Over the past two weeks, MDARD has seen an increase in the number of calls we are receiving regarding sick domestic birds. The risk for HPAI will remain high as the disease continues to mainly be spread through the migration of wild birds,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland.
“It is crucial for every bird owner to take action to stop this route of transmission by keeping their flocks away from bodies of water wild birds could visit, bringing their flocks indoors, and following other protocols to prevent the virus from being introduced to their birds. Keeping HPAI out of Michigan’s domestic birds is a team effort.”
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.
To protect other flocks in Michigan, the premises is currently under quarantine, and the birds will be depopulated to prevent disease spread. The flock contained approximately 1,100 birds.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with this avian influenza detection remains low. Also, no birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain.
As a reminder, people should properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs. ■
The upper-level pattern over the CONUS will remain rather stagnant the next couple of days with lows over the Northeast and California and ridging in between.