Bird flu found in a flock of commercial poultry in Muskegon County: Here’s what you need to know:

Muskegon County, Michigan. – Bird flu detected in a commercial poultry facility Muskegon County.. This is the first detection of bird flu (HPAI) in Michigan’s commercial poultry business.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious virus that can spread from flock to flock, including wild birds. The grounds are isolated and birds are killed to prevent the spread of the disease.

“Before Michigan first detected HPAI in backyard poultry in late February, MDARD was prepared for all types of outbreak scenarios, including in commercial facilities, and the department worked with producers to take immediate action. The agency has already identified controlled and monitored areas to monitor and prevent further spread of the virus, “said Dr. Nora Wineland, a state veterinarian. “We continue to urge all poultry owners, whether backyard owners or commercial producers, to take precautions to stop the spread of HPAI. Protect the Michigan herd. It’s a team effort for. “

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CDC says risk It is low for the general public. In the United States, there is only one report of human bird flu. The incident was in Colorado. The person was directly exposed to infected poultry and was involved in killing them. They experienced fatigue for only a few days and then recovered.

Birds and bird products known to be infected with HPAI do not enter the commercial food chain, according to state officials.

“Although human health risks are low with respect to HPAI, 45 Michigan community health departments are working with state partners to monitor people at high risk of exposure and protect overall public health. It has helped, “said Norm Hess, Managing Director of the Michigan Regional Association. public health. “Local health officials are an important part of emergency response, including HPAI, by monitoring and assisting responders to limit their potential spread.”

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What you can do to protect the birds

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said poultry owners need to minimize the number of people in contact with birds and isolate them from wild birds when possible. Also, hands and clothing should be disinfected after contact with poultry.

Michigan authorities also recommend the following steps:

• 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.

• Cleans and disinfects equipment and other equipment between uses. 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.

What are the signs of HPAI?

According to DNR, poultry may not show many of the signs of routine illness.

One of the key indicators of HPAI is sudden death and high mortality. Sick birds may show neurological signs such as difficulty walking, loss of appetite, lack of energy, and lack of vocalization.

You may notice a significant decrease in egg production, swelling of the comb, braiding, legs, or head. You may also have diarrhea, runny nose, sneezing, or coughing.

Ducks and geese are considered carriers, but geese generally do not transmit bird flu.

How to Report a Sick Bird

Domestic bird owner Attention should be paid to abnormal death, reduced egg protection, reduced water consumption, or increased sick birds. If a bird is suspected of having bird flu, you should contact MDARD (800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (out of business hours)).

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If there is an abnormal or unexplained death inside Wild birds You can report to DNR through them Field app eyes (Select the observation form) or call 517-336-5030.

read: Previous coverage of bird flu

For more information, please visit. Michigan.gov/BirdFlu, Michigan.gov/AvianInfluenza Also Michigan.gov/AvianDiseases..