ALLEGAN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed on Tuesday, May 17 in an eagle in Allegan County.
Earlier this week three dead geese were also collected and sent for testing, with results possibly taking more than a week to come back.
No human illness has been associated with this detection.
The Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) is sharing this information to alert people who own or work with birds, including poultry, or hunt wild birds to the possibility of infection and the need to take recommended precautions. The health department also says that 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 influenza viruses.
In Michigan, HPAI has been detected in both backyard domestic birds and wild birds. The virus has been detected in domestic flocks from 10 counties. In wild birds, it has been detected in 37 counties.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with this avian influenza detection remains low.
HPAI spreads easily among birds, and while rare, can spread from birds to people.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) advises that following simple precautionary steps is fundamental to protecting both animal and human health. They recommended:
- 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.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has also issued a recommendation for the temporary removal of bird feeders this year to help curtail the spread of HPAI in both wild and domestic birds.
Health officials caution those who believe they were exposed to an infected bird, to watch for symptoms of influenza for 10 days after their last contact with the bird and to call the Allegan County Health Department at 269-673-5411 if they suspect they are ill.
For more information on HPAI, visit MDARD at www.michigan.gov/birdflu .
Learn more about ACHD services at www.allegancounty.org/health.
