HOLLAND TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Apr. 12, 2024) – The bird flu has come to Ottawa County.
On Friday, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced the detection on Thursday of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd in Ottawa County. No precise location of where this detection was disclosed.
This current strain has now been found in four Michigan counties.
“What is happening with HPAI in Michigan, mirrors what is happening in states across the country. This virus does not stop at county or state lines, which is why we must all be on high alert. This news is unfortunate and upsetting for our poultry and dairy farming families and communities. Experts from across the nation continue to assess this situation and provide insights into the role of HPAI in the affected livestock as they become aware. MDARD continues working with our federal, state, and local partners to respond robustly to this disease. Thanks to recent budget investments, MDARD is well poised to properly engage in this response. If you believe your livestock are showing clinical signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. We’re all on the same team as we combat HPAI.” – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring
Officials with the federal departments of Agriculture, Food and Drug, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that the commercial milk supply remains safe due to federal animal health requirements and pasteurization, and that there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply, or that this bird flu strain poses any increased risk to consumer health.
Farmers who may suspect HPAI or any other reportable animal disease in their domestic animals are asked to contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
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