A backyard poultry flock in Monroe County has tested positive for bird flu, health officials announced on Tuesday. This marks the county’s first case of bird flu since it was detected in Michigan in 2022.
According to the Monroe County Health Department, no human illnesses have been identified, and those who may have come into contact with the infected birds have been notified. The health department is urging residents who own or work with poultry to take precautions to prevent infection.
Birds infected with bird flu may show unusual signs such as decreased water consumption, lack of appetite, or diarrhea. If you suspect your poultry flock is sick, contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) at 800-292-3939 for advice.
To prevent bird flu, poultry owners are advised to follow biosecurity measures, including:
* Keeping domestic and wild birds separate
* Washing hands before and after handling birds
* Disinfecting boots and equipment
* Not sharing equipment or supplies between coops or farms
* Using clean water and storing feed securely
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources also asks that anyone see unusual deaths in wild birds report the incident to them at 517-336-5030 or online.
Source: https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/02/13/bird-flu-confirmed-in-backyard-poultry-flock-in-monroe-county