Michigan officials have confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in an Ottawa County poultry facility, marking the first time the disease has been detected in a commercial poultry facility in over six months. This finding raises concerns about the potential threat to human health.
The disease was first detected in October at a Clinton County dairy farm and has since been found in several other counties across southwest and central Michigan. According to MDARD Director Tim Boring, slowing the spread of HPAI is a top priority to protect human health.
Infected birds may exhibit symptoms such as sudden death, low energy or appetite, purple discoloration or swelling, reduced egg production, nasal discharge, coughing, lack of coordination, diarrhea, and eye discharge. In humans, bird flu can cause pink eye, fever, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and other respiratory symptoms.
Two people in Michigan have been reported with the H5N1 virus, but most recent cases have caused mild respiratory symptoms. The agency has urged consumers to properly handle and cook poultry and eggs, while also implementing on-farm biosecurity measures such as disinfecting equipment, washing hands regularly, and keeping feed secure.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recommends reporting any unusual deaths among wild bird populations to the Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
Source: https://eu.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/12/17/avian-bird-flu-michigan-ottawa-county-poultry-farm/77027934007