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Advisory: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Bird in Out-Wayne County
As of 6/21/2022, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in two wild birds in Out-Wayne County. No human illness or exposures have been identified.
Wayne County Health, Human, and Veteran Services (HHVS)- Public Health Division is sharing this information to increase awareness among people who own or work with birds, including poultry, or hunt wild birds to the possibility of infection and the need to take recommended preventive measures.
HPAI in birds is not a food safety concern if poultry and eggs are handled and cooked properly.
Both wild and domestic birds, including chickens, can be infected with avian (bird) influenza viruses. In Michigan, since February 2022, HPAI has been detected in both backyard domestic birds and wild birds in numerous counties throughout the state and in a commercial facility. As migrating birds return to Michigan and other parts of the U.S., more detections of HPAI are expected.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the current risk of HPAI to the general public to be low. HPAI spreads easily among birds and rarely spreads from birds to people.
Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) advises following simple preventive steps to protect both animal and human health, including:
· Preventing contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.
· Washing your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.
· Disinfecting boots and other gear when moving between coops.
· Not sharing 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.
· Keeping poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
· Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends the temporary removal of bird feeders this year to help curtail the spread of HPAI in both wild and domestic birds.
How To Recognize Sick Birds
- Sudden death in multiple birds
- Significant drop in water consumption
- Lack of appetite, energy or vocalization
- Drop in egg production
- Diarrhea
- Nasal discharge, sneezing or coughing
HPAI is NOT evidenced by one dead bird or one sick bird in a flock while the rest are healthy. Instead, look for multiple unusual deaths within a 24-hour period and some of the symptoms mentioned above in the rest of the flock.
Reporting Possible Cases In Birds
For Domestic Birds
Domestic bird 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 in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
For Wild Birds
If anyone notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations, please report these cases to the DNR by:
· Using the DNR's
Eyes in the Field app. Choose the "Diseased Wildlife" option among the selections for "Observation Forms."· Calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
More information on HPAI and how to best protect domestic birds can be found at: www.michigan.gov/birdflu
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Basics
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