HOUGHTON — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has issued a release warning backyard flock owners in the Upper Peninsula that MDARD, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock from Menominee County. This is the third detection in domestic birds in the state, and the first in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

According the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Avian influenza refers to disease in birds caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. Avian influenza A viruses have been isolated from more than 100 different species of wild birds around the world. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. MDARD states HPAI by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

“As wild birds continue their spring migration and spread the disease,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, “it’s critical Michigan’s backyard and commercial flock owners take every possible precaution to protect their birds through biosecurity. Maintaining the health of Michigan’s domestic birds is a team effort. Increasing biosecurity protects not only your flock but others around the state. Now more than ever, it is essential for poultry owners to take every step possible to keep wild birds away from their flocks and follow strict biosecurity measures.”

MDARD has reported on two previous HPAI detections in Michigan, in Kalamazoo and Macomb counties. Like those, the detection in Menominee County is another isolated case of the virus, and there are no anticipated disruptions to supply chains and no threat to public health or food safety.

According to the CDC, these HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. Also, no birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the food chain. As a reminder, all poultry and eggs should be handled and cooked properly.

The CDC defines Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as: Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses cause severe disease and high mortality in infected/ poultry. Only some avian influenza A(H5) and A(H7) viruses are classified as HPAI A viruses, while most A(H5) and A(H7) viruses circulating among birds are LPAI A viruses. HPAI A(H5) or A(H7) virus infections can cause disease that affects multiple internal organs with mortality up to 90% to 100% in chickens, often within 48 hours.However, ducks can be infected without any signs of illness. HPAI A(H5) and A(H7) virus infections in poultry can also spill back into wild birds, resulting in further geographic spread of the virus as those birds migrate. While/ some wild bird/ species can be infected with some HPAI A(H5) or A(H7) virus subtypes without appearing sick, other HPAI A(H5) and A(H7) virus subtypes can cause severe disease and mortality in some infected wild birds as well as in infected poultry.

MDARD states that HPAI has been detected in a non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Kalamazoo County, Macomb County, and Menominee County. As of now, no additional cases of HPAI have been detected in Michigan.

It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of HPAI, states MDARD, and lists symptoms to be aware of:

– Sudden death.

– Significant drop in water consumption.

– Lack of appetite, energy, or vocalization,

– Drop in egg production,

– Diarriah

– Swollen comb, wattles, legs or head,

– Nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing,

– Abnormal behavior like difficulty walking.

With rapidly increasing numbers of U.P. residents keeping backyard chicken flocks, MDARD says Michigan bird owners need to implement and follow strict biosecurity to help reduce spread of HPAI.

“Whether it’s a few backyard birds or a large commercial flock,” states MDARD, “following biosecurity measures is fundamental to protect the health and vitality of Michigan’s domestic birds:”

– 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.

– Disinfecting boots and other gear when moving between coops.

– Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.

– Cleaning and disinfecting equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.

– Using 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.

Poultry owners and caretakers should watch for unusual deaths, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, or an increase in sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).

“MDARD is continuing to work diligently with local, state, and federal partners to quickly respond to reports of sick or dead domestic birds to best mitigate the spread of HPAI and provide outreach, the department’s website states.

For more information, the MDARD website contains several tips, as well as additional resources. Please visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/animals/diseases/avian/avian-influenza.

For more information from the CDC, please visit their site at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-birds.htm.