Bird Flu Detected in Montcalm County Dairy Herd

Public health risk remains low, precautionary measures in place

Saturday, March 25, 2024

By [Your Name], Staff Writer

MONTCALM COUNTY, Mich.

Bird flu has been detected in a dairy herd from Montcalm County, raising concerns about its potential spread and impact on the local community, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

The cases are believed to be linked to bird flu (HPAI) cases found in cattle in Texas. The farm recently received cattle from an affected area in Texas before the herd was known to have bird flu. However, upon arrival in Michigan, the cattle did not display any symptoms of illness.

MDARD, in collaboration with the government and Michigan dairy farmers, is working diligently towards implementing preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.

State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM, stated, “This case reflects what we already know about the virus – that it is highly contagious, primarily spread by wild birds and contact with infected animals, and mammals can contract the virus.”

The public health risk associated with HPAI is currently assessed to be low. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reassured the public that the commercial milk supply is safe, thanks to the process of pasteurization.

If anyone suspects they have come across an animal infected with HPAI, they are urged to contact MDARD immediately during daylight hours at 800-292-3939, or at 517-373-0440 during after-hours.

What is HPAI?

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious virus known to spread rapidly among flocks through contact with infected birds, equipment, or caretakers’ clothing and shoes.

Although mainly affecting birds, this virus has also been detected in various mammals that are believed to have had contact with infected birds.

One of the key indicators of HPAI is sudden death among the infected birds, accompanied by significantly high death rates. Other signs in sick birds may include neurological symptoms such as difficulty walking, lack of appetite, low energy, or lack of vocalization.

Poultry owners should remain vigilant for signs such as a drastic decline in egg production, unusual swellings in the combs, wattles, legs, or head, as well as symptoms like diarrhea, nasal discharge, sneezing, or coughing.

While ducks and geese are considered carriers of the virus, geese seldom transmit bird flu to other birds or mammals.

How to Protect Domestic Birds

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has provided the following guidelines to help bird owners safeguard the health of their livestock:

• Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by either bringing domestic birds indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is completely enclosed.
• Always wash your hands before and after handling birds, as well as when moving between different coops or bird areas.
• Regularly disinfect your boots and other equipment when moving between coops or bird habitats.
• Avoid sharing equipment or any other supplies between coops or different farms.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and supplies between uses. If disinfection is not possible, it is advisable to discard the equipment.
• Provide domestic birds with well or municipal water for drinking purposes.
• Secure poultry feed to prevent any contact between feed or its ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

Can Humans Get HPAI?

Although HPAI primarily affects birds, it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can potentially be transmitted from domestic or wild animals to humans.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current public health risk associated with HPAI remains low. However, individuals are advised to avoid handling any sick or dead wild birds.

How to Report Possible Cases of Bird Flu

For those who own or care for domestic birds, it is important to be vigilant and report any signs of avian influenza, such as sudden deaths, significant drops in water consumption or egg production, diarrhea, sneezing, coughing, or an increase in sick birds. In such cases, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 during the day or 517-373-0440 after-hours.

If there are any observed unusual or unexplained deaths among wild birds, cases can be reported to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) using the Eyes in the Field app or by calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.

© 2024 All rights reserved, Your News Website