A backyard flock in Wayne County, Michigan has become the first in the state to be infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The infected birds were depopulated to prevent disease spread.
The H5N1 virus is extremely infectious among many types of birds and has a high fatality rate in chickens, turkeys, and some waterfowl. It can also infect cows and other mammals. While there have been no known human-to-human transmissions, a 13-year-old girl in British Columbia who contracted the virus was hospitalized for two months.
To protect backyard flocks from H5N1 bird flu, farmers are advised to take precautions such as bringing their flock indoors or ensuring outdoor areas are fully enclosed, washing hands before and after handling birds, disinfecting equipment, and keeping poultry feed secure. If avian influenza is suspected in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched a monitoring program for individuals who may have been exposed to infected birds in Oakland County.
Source: https://eu.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/01/16/michigan-h5n1-bird-flu-avian-influenza-wayne-county-backyard-flock/77751837007