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 upland game birds from a hunting preserve in Lapeer County.
This is the second detection of HPAI in a Michigan domestic flock in 2023, and the fifth case detected in Lapeer County. To protect other flocks in Michigan, the premises are currently under quarantine, and the birds will be depopulated to prevent disease spread. The flock contained approximately 1,100 birds.
As wild birds continue to migrate, bird owners need to take every possible precaution to prevent their flocks from being exposed to the disease. State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland says that the risk will “remain high as the disease continues to mainly be spread through the migration of wild birds.”
With wild birds finishing their spring migration patterns, local bird owners should be vigilant and take preventative measures to protect their flocks from wild birds that may be carrying the virus. Authorities are reminding the community that while the public health risk associated with the illness is low for humans, poultry owners need to take precautions to keep their flocks safe, such as keeping equipment clean and keeping wild and domestic birds apart.
Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, or an increase in sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
