January 28, 2026

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 a backyard poultry flock from Ottawa County. This is the first detection of HPAI in a Michigan domestic flock in 2026, and the 16th case in an Ottawa County poultry flock since the virus was first detected in the state in 2022. Even with the cold temperatures, the virus is still present in the environment and travelling through infected wild birds. MDARD continues to strongly recommend owners remain vigilant and actively protect their animals from HPAI.