September 26, 2024

Vigilance is still needed as HPAI continues to be detected

LANSING, MI—While the detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Michigan´s domestic animals have decreased from the numbers experienced this spring, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) encourages animal owners to remain vigilant and take preventative measures as wild birds complete their fall migration, causing the virus to more actively circulate.

"Even though the rate of HPAI detections have decreased across Michigan and the United States, this does not mean the threat posed by the virus is gone. The disease continues to circulate in wild birds and fall migration can cause the virus to spread again," said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "It is just as important now as it was earlier this year for owners to take measures to protect their poultry and dairy cattle from this virus. Keeping Michigan s domestic animals healthy remains a team effort."

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from animal to animal, including through wild birds, contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. The disease is also zoonotic, meaning it can affect both animals and people.

Fortunately, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with this disease remains low. No animals or animal products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain. Also, people should properly handle and cook all meat and eggs and avoid consuming raw milk.

In 2024, Michigan experienced the largest outbreak of HPAI in the state´s history. Beginning with a detection in a dairy herd in late March, the virus has impacted 29 dairies, seven commercial poultry flocks, and one backyard poultry flock across 13 Michigan counties this year. There were also two cases of the disease in Michigan farm workers who were working with infected dairy cattle.

Even though Michigan detected only five cases of HPAI in dairy cattle and no cases in domestic poultry since early June, this trend reflects the pattern seen over the past few years with this virus namely, cases are noted early in the year when the spring migration of wild birds starts, there is a lull throughout the summer months, and cases increase in the fall when wild birds migrate once again.

Regardless of the species, biosecurity remains the best tool available to combat HPAI. On May 1, 2024, Director Boring issued the Determination of Extraordinary Emergency HPAI Risk Reduction and Response Order (HRRRO), which is still in effect. Along with other protocols, the order requires all Michigan dairy and poultry operations to adopt enhanced biosecurity measures, reducing the risk of introducing HPAI on to farms.

In addition to these measures, owners can also protect the health of Michigan s domestic animals by:

Preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds.
Limiting non-essential visitors to your farm.
Washing your hands before and after caring for animals.
Not sharing equipment or other supplies between farms.
Cleaning and disinfecting clothing, footwear, and equipment worn/used around sick animals. Use an EPA-registered disinfectant effective against avian influenza.
Keeping feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
Allowing sufficient downtime between visits to poultry and dairy operations so the virus is not being carried between facilities.
Contacting your veterinarian if there are ever any animal health-related concerns.
Reporting Possible Cases

For Domestic Animals

In Michigan, HPAI is now reportable in all species of animals. If avian influenza is suspected, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).

For Wildlife

If anyone notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained behaviors or deaths among wild birds and other wildlife, please report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by the Eyes in the Field app or calling 517-336-5030.

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe to receive email notifications by visiting MDARD´s website and clicking on the Avian Influenza link. After entering a valid email address, subscribers will receive updates and alerts regarding the status of avian influenza in Michigan whenever there are new developments to report. Additional resources can also be found at Michigan.gov/BirdFlu.

More information on avian influenza and how to protect domestic animals through biosecurity measures can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture´s website.