The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is confirmed in the state’s wild bird population according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The disease was identified in free-ranging Canada geese and tundra swans from St. Clair County, snowy owls from Macomb County and in a mute swan from Monroe County.
The mute swan was identified as a positive case on March 15.
Then, on March 24, the DNR received confirmation that six geese, two tundra swans and two snowy owls were positive for HPAI.
This comes after the state’s first HPAI detection from a non-commercial, backyard poultry flock in Kalamazoo County in late Feb.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has continued to urge poultry owners to “step up their own biosecurity precautions by minimizing the number of people coming in contact with birds, isolating birds from wild birds whenever possible, and disinfecting hands and clothing after coming in contact with poultry.”
“This confirmed positive finding of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds prompts several steps that are informed by Michigan’s Surveillance and Response Plan for HPAI in wildlife,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “The DNR and MDARD are working that plan with other experts and stakeholders and taking advantage of every available resource that aims to limit the spread of HPAI.”
Eichinger also said the state’s ongoing focus is to prevent the disease’s spread.
According to the state’s wildlife HPAI plan, the DNR has already canceled the roundup and relocation of Canada geese for the year, and will only make limited exceptions in approved situations. The DNR is also refunding application fees for sites that have received roundup permits.
Due to the cancellation, the DNR is also encouraging nest and egg destruction to resolve conflicts. There is no eligibility requirements for nest and egg destruction in 2022, nor is there any charge for permits for this activity.
MDARD, the DNR, Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services and Wildlife Services are working together to conduct avian influenza surveillance and to monitor health of poultry, livestock, wildlife and residents in Michigan.
As of right now, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consider the risk to people from HPAI viruses to be low since there are no detections of infections in people within the U.S.
DNR is asking Michiganders who notice the death of three or more free-ranging birds to report it to the DNR either through the app or by calling 517-336-5030.
And if your domestic poultry is experiencing severe illness or multiple death losses they are asking for you to contact MDARD at 800-292-3939.
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