Bird flu detected in West Michigan commercial poultry facility

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – A Michigan poultry farm has been hit by the highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

Veterinary researchers detected the disease in a commercial poultry facility in Ottawa County during an investigation conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), according to a Dec. 16 news release from the state agency.

The state did not disclose the name of the Ottawa County farm or the number of birds affected.

This is the first time the disease has been detected in a Michigan poultry flock since May 2024 when the state managed the largest outbreak of the disease, and the second case of the virus in a commercial poultry facility from Ottawa County since the disease was first detected in Michigan in 2022, the release stated.

MDARD officials say slowing the spread of the disease is vital in helping ensure the health of Michigan’s domestic animals as well as the health of the general public.

“Since this disease is capable of affecting animals and the people who care for them, it is important for farm workers to continue using personal protective equipment to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, in a statement. “Preventing spread from animals to humans is vital if we want to limit the impact of this virus.”

The affected Ottawa County facility is currently under quarantine, and the birds will be depopulated, or killed, to prevent disease spread, the release said. These efforts also help to ensure the safety and integrity of the commercial food supply.

“Slowing the spread of HPAI to protect human health is a top priority at MDARD,” MDARD Director Tim Boring stated. “Implementing on-farm biosecurity and expanding our HPAI surveillance efforts are key strategies to prevent opportunities for the virus to infect domestic animal species and potentially spread and become a more concerning human threat.”

The avian influenza is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily from flock to flock, including by wild birds, contact with infected poultry, equipment or on the clothes and shoes of farmers.

Farms with one infected bird are required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to depopulate their entire flock.

“As the weather remains cold and HPAI continues to circulate in wild bird populations, conditions are ideal for the virus to thrive and spread,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland. “It is critical to prevent the introduction of disease by taking measures such as keeping domestic animals away from wild birds and cleaning and disinfecting equipment between uses.”

Health officials say the risk of humans getting sick from the avian flu remains low, and no infected animals or products will enter the food supply chain.

State officials offered the following tips to prevent the spread of bird flu and protect Michigan’s domestic birds, whether it’s among a few backyard birds or a large commercial flock:

• Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.
• Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.
• Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.
• Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.
• Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
• Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

Domestic bird owners and caretakers should be alert for potential signs of bird flu including multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing or an increase in sick birds, according to the release.

If avian influenza is suspected in domestic birds, caretakers are advised to contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).

If anyone notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations, they can report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by using the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app (choose the “Diseased Wildlife” option among the selections for “Observation Forms”) or by calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.

For more information on proper use of personal protective equipment to protect against avian influenza can be found on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.

More information on avian influenza and how to protect flocks through preventative measures can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website.