Bird flu confirmed in Monroe County backyard flock, Michigan agriculture officials report
MONROE COUNTY, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Monroe County has its first confirmed case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) known as bird flu, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The "bird flu" virus was first detected in Michigan in 2022; and has been the focus of attention both in the state and across the country. Recent reports include those in Oakland County and in Wayne County.
The Monroe County case involved a backyard flock, and the virus was detected by the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
"HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers," the press release said.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the public health risk associated with avian influenza to be low. No birds or bird products infected with HPAI are permitted to enter the commercial food chain.
But to prevent the spread of the virus, state officials urge those with a flock to prevent contact between domestic and wild birds. Do not share equipment or supplies among coops or other farms, and be sure to clean or disinfect boots and any supplies that were used when caring for the birds.
Those with domestic birds should be on the lookout for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production or noticeable increase in number of sick birds. Should those signs appear, the owner or keeper should contact the state agriculture department.
Those who notice unusual illness or deaths among wild bird populations are asked to report the cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
