Bird flu, also known as bird flu, has been identified in Taxcola, Bay, Crawford, Clinton, Gladwin, Saginaw, and St. Clair County.

“The first case of HPAI was identified in a tundra swan in Tuscola County,” said a press release from the Tuscola County Health Department.

The Department of Health has issued a recommendation to pay attention to people who have or work with birds, including poultry, and to take necessary precautions to avoid possible infections.

Bird flu spreads from bird to bird and from flock to flock in different ways, affecting both wild and poultry, as well as domesticated birds. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development website states that the symptoms of birds with bird flu (sometimes abbreviated as HPAI) may include:

• Sudden death
• Significant reduction in water consumption
• Lack of appetite, energy, or vocalization
• Decreased spawning
• diarrhea
• Comb, wattle, swelling of legs or head
• Runny nose, sneezing, or coughing
• Abnormal behavior such as difficulty walking

According to the Ministry of Health, the confirmation of infected birds is a series of up-to-date throughout the state and has been detected in either backyard birds or wild birds.

“To date, these include Bay, Clinton, Crawford, Gladwin, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, Kent, Livingston, McCorm, Menominee, Monroe, Oakland, Ozego, Saginaw, Sheawashie, St. Clair, Taxcola, and Washtonor. The county is included, “the release read. “As migratory birds return to Michigan and other parts of the United States, HPAI detections may increase further. They have been detected in at least 27 states.”

There are reports scattered throughout the social media of those who found dead birds. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking people to avoid dead birds and report on the DNR website instead. https://tinyurl.com/2p89m225 Alternatively, call the DNR Wildlife Disease Research Institute (517-336-5030). The report requires general reporting information such as the reporter’s name and contact information, where birds and mammals are located, and other information such as the health of the animal and the number of people involved.

Bird flu rarely spreads to humans, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 2003, there have been sporadic reports in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

“Most human infections with avian influenza virus, including the HPAI Asia H5N1 virus, occurred after long-term close contact with infected birds,” the CDC report said. “A rare human-to-human spread of the virus has occurred, but it has not persisted and has never been confirmed to spread to the community.”

Dr. Nora Wineland, a state veterinarian, previously stated that pet birds are difficult to get infected with bird flu, but measures should still be taken to protect all birds.

Here are some steps recommended by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development:

• Bring poultry and wild birds indoors or completely seal the outdoor area to prevent contact between birds and wild birds.
• Wash your hands before and after handling birds and when moving between different huts.
• Disinfect boots and other gear as you move between sheds.
• Do not share equipment or other supplies between huts or other farms.
• Cleaning and disinfection Equipment and other consumables during use. If it cannot be disinfected, dispose of it.
• Use well water or tap water as drinking water for birds.
• Keep poultry feed safe to ensure that there is no contact between feed / feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

The DNR encourages homeowners to temporarily remove bird feeders to reduce the spread of bird flu.

“One of the easiest ways to help the general public reduce the potential epidemic of HPAI is to get rid of outdoor bird feeders,” the DNR press release read. “Although there is no widespread recommendation from state agencies to do so, temporary removal of these food sources is especially for those who live nearby with sensitive species such as poultry, birds of prey and waterfowl. May be useful for those who observe high-risk species such as blue jays, crows, and crows hanging around bird feeders in the backyard. Bird feeders and This temporary removal of the bath may continue for the next few months or until the percentage of HPAI increases. Birds and poultry will decrease. “

If you choose to continue using your bird feeder, keep the following guidance in mind.

• Once a week, thoroughly clean (and rinse well) the bird feeder with a diluted bleach solution. Regular cleaning helps protect the bird from other infections, including Salmonella.
• Clean the bird seeds that have fallen under the feeder to prevent them from gathering in areas where large numbers of birds and other wildlife are concentrated.
• Do not feed wild birds, especially waterfowl, near herds of livestock.

For more information on bird flu, please visit: www.michigan.gov/birdflu..