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HPAI FAQs
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What is avian influenza?
- Avian influenza is caused by a virus infecting wild birds and waterfowl as well as domestic poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, quail and geese.
- Wild birds commonly have AI and sometimes spread it to domestic birds through direct or indirect transmission.
- Ducks are considered carriers of the virus.
- Some strains of avian influenza infect wild and domestic mammals.
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What is highly pathogenic avian influenza?Avian influenza viruses are classified as either high or low pathogenicity — the potential ability to produce disease — based on how sick the virus makes domestic birds. HPAI viruses are extremely contagious and cause high death loss in poultry flocks.
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What types of wildlife can be infected with AI and how do they get it?
- AI viruses have been found in many bird species but are most often found in migratory waterfowl (ducks, geese and swans).
- Avian influenza is caused by a virus infecting wild birds and waterfowl as well as domestic poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, quail and geese.
- Wild birds commonly have AI and sometimes spread it to domestic birds through direct or indirect transmission.
- Ducks are considered carriers of the virus.
- Some strains of avian influenza infect wild and domestic mammals.
- Other wild birds known to be capable of harboring influenza viruses include shorebirds, gulls, quail, hawks, falcons and pheasants.
- The virus is shed in fecal droppings, mucus, saliva and nasal discharge.
- With the more recent HPAI strains circulating, bald eagles, terns, gulls and cormorants have been particularly affected and large mortality events have been documented throughout North America, including Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
- With the more recent HPAI strains circulating, , several species of wild mammals in Michigan have been infected, including coyote, gray fox, red fox, opossum and raccoon; however, it has the potential to affect any mammal.
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What are the signs of a sick domestic or wild bird or mammal with HPAI?
Sick birds may experience:
- Sudden death
- Significant drop in water consumption
- Abnormal behavior like difficulty walking swimming or flying
- Abnormal head position or wobble
- Seizures, circling or tremors
- Lack of appetite, energy or vocalization
- Drop in egg production
- Swollen comb, wattles, legs or head
- Nasal discharge, sneezing or coughing
- Diarrhea
- Blindness
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How is HPAI spread?
- HPAI is spread through fecal dropping or nasal discharge of an infected bird, which contaminates the environment.
- People can carry the virus on their shoes, clothes, equipment and vehicles.
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Does it affect mammals
- HPAI has been detected in wild and domestic mammal species across the United States. For the most up to date detections in mammals, please visit 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
- In Michigan, HPAI has been detected in a wild coyote, gray fox, red foxes, opossum and raccoon; however, it has the potential to affect any mammal.
- Consumption of birds infected with HPAI is presumed to be the most likely source of infection in wild mammals.
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Does it affect people?
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the public health risk associated with HPAI to be low. However, the CDC advises people to avoid handling any sick or dead wild birds whenever possible.
- Human cases in North America have been associated with contact with infected animals or material. Individuals with job-related or recreational exposure to infected birds or materials are at higher risk of infection and should take appropriate precautions outlined in CDC guidance.
- Updated information on human cases can be found on the CDC’s website under Monitoring for H5 in people.
- As a reminder, all harvested waterfowl, poultry and eggs should be handled properly. This includes cooking to an internal temperature of 165° F and washing your hands after handling.
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What is being done at the state level to prevent and stop the spread of HPAI?
- The DNR has taken immediate steps, outlined later in this document, to address the disease in wild bird populations.
- The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) continues to work with local, state and federal partners to quickly respond to reports of HPAI, mitigate the spread of disease, and provide additional outreach to producers, industry and other key stakeholders.
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to work with local, state and federal partners on appropriate human health measures in the event that people are exposed to HPAI infected animals or material.
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What steps can I take to protect my flock?
- See MDARD’s website for more information including biosecurity measures.
- If you have backyard poultry or domestic cattle, increase your biosecurity practices. This includes limiting the exposure to wild birds and restricting outdoor access to your flock.
- It’s imperative that farmers and producers follow strict biosecurity practices to protect their flocks. Domestic poultry raised outdoors have a much greater risk of being exposed to diseases like avian influenza because they are more likely to interact with wild birds/poultry which could carry the disease.
- Some biosecurity practices include, but are not limited to:
- Disinfecting tools and washing hands when going in between coops
- Not sharing equipment with other farmers or in between coops
- Washing and disinfecting equipment between uses
- Disinfecting boots and other gear when moving in between coops
- Using well or municipal water as drinking water for birds
- Keeping poultry feed secure so that there is no contact between feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents
- Preventing contact between wild birds and domestic birds
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Can I use backyard wild bird feeders?
Yes, you may use backyard bird feeders. Regular cleaning of bird feeders with a 10% bleach to water solution is always a good practice to avoid transmission of HPAI and other diseases more commonly spread at bird feeders. If you own domestic poultry or have a backyard flock, it is recommended that you do not feed wild birds.
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Who should I contact if I find sick or dead birds?
- Using the DNR’s Eyes in Field reporting form
- Calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030
- If dead birds are found in an area where it is difficult to get to them or where people and domestic animals will not have contact with them it is best to leave them alone and not handle them.
- If they are in an area where you can easily get to them and they will be a potential risk to people and domestic animals, the birds can be double bagged and disposed of through your trash pickup.
- At a bare minimum, wear rubber boots that can be disinfected and disposable or rubber gloves.
- A respirator and eye protection is recommended to protect your nose, mouth and eyes for accidental splashes that may contain the virus.
- If handling numerous birds, wear rain bibs or a waterproof apron over clothing. Disinfect the outer layers and wash clothes immediately afterwards.
- Discard disposable PPE, disinfect all other PPE and clothing, and wash hands thoroughly when done.
If you notice the death of six or more wild birds, file a report by:
If you suspect avian influenza in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 or (for after-hours emergencies) 517-373-0440.
What should I do if I have dead birds on my property?
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Where were HPAI-diagnosed wild birds located?
- HPAI has been detected in wild birds throughout the state, in both the Lower and Upper peninsulas. This virus is considered widespread in wild birds in Michigan and throughout North America.
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How has the DNR been monitoring for AI?
In 2006, the DNR created a Michigan Surveillance and Response Plan for HPAI in wildlife. The plan, updated in 2022, will guide DNR management of wildlife populations. In addition, the DNR continues to examine the carcasses from mortality events affecting wild birds.
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How will the confirmation of HPAI affect the DNR’s response?
- The DNR is taking action with the goals of mitigating the spread of AI in wildlife populations and preventing the transmission of the disease to domestic poultry operations.
- Partially guided by the updated Michigan Surveillance and Response Plan, the DNR has eliminated the relocation of Canada geese. Round up will be permitted in situations where there are elevated human health and safety concerns or at sites that have at least 100 Canada geese. Any Canada geese rounded up will be euthanized. Relocation of Canada geese has the risk of transporting HPAI around the state and facilitating the spread of the virus. With the cancellation of relocation efforts and limited roundup and euthanasia situations, the DNR encourages nest and egg destruction to resolve conflicts. DNR has waived geographic eligibility requirements for nest and egg destruction, which makes the permits available statewide.
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Why isn’t the DNR testing all sick and dead birds for HPAI?
- The DNR has performed extensive sampling and surveillance of dead wild birds. This provided an important baseline knowledge that HPAI is widespread in wild bird populations throughout the state, including all watersheds in both the Upper and Lower peninsulas.
- Federal and state agencies throughout the U.S. have also conducted surveillance activities and documented the virus in thousands of wild birds, providing further evidence that this viral strain is widespread.
- Testing every sick or dead bird would require tremendous resources that are currently not available.
- The DNR continues to partner with other agencies such as USDA Wildlife Services, which is performing surveillance by testing waterfowl.
- The DNR is focusing its surveillance efforts by prioritizing the testing of dead birds from die-offs of six or more birds, as well as bald eagles, abnormal acting hawks, owls and wild mammals.
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How does HPAI affect waterfowl and/or goose hunters?
- Wash and disinfect hands when leaving the hunting site.
- Wash and disinfect hunting equipment between uses.
- Disinfect boots and other hunting wear.
- Dress game birds in the field whenever possible. If you cannot dress birds in the field, clean them in a location away from poultry and other birds.
- Remove and discard intestines soon after harvesting and avoid direct contact with intestinal contents and fresh fecal material.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth when handling wild birds.
- Wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling and cleaning game, wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleanser even if the hands are not visibly soiled.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game.
- Do not eat, drink, smoke or vape while handling or cleaning birds.
- Cook all meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keeping domestic animals away from wild birds.
- Keeping domestic animals away from dead waterfowl.
- Keeping domestic animals away from hunting apparel and footwear that has come into contact with wild birds, their mucous, saliva, or feces.
- Cooking waterfowl meat to 165oF before feeding it to other animals.
- Showering after the hunt and before tending to domestic animals.
- Washing hands immediately before and after caring for animals.
- Not sharing equipment or other supplies between premises.
If there are ever any questions regarding the health of your animals or how to best protect them from disease, please contact your veterinarian.
Hunters should avoid harvesting or handling wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead. Hunters who do have contact with obviously sick or dead birds, or surfaces contaminated by them, should monitor themselves for flu-like symptoms for 10 days after their last exposure and report any symptoms to their doctor and state or local health department.
Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to take the following biosecurity and health precautions when handling wild birds:
Waterfowl hunters who care for other domestic animals should take additional biosecurity precautions to help protect the health of their animals. Additional measures to consider include:
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Is my hunting dog at risk
- The risk of hunting dogs acquiring HPAI is believed to be low, but exposure to the virus is possible when dogs are mouthing/biting a bird or consuming wild birds.
- Information on HPAI in dogs and cats is available at: Avian influenza: Veterinarians | American Veterinary Medical Association
- If hunters want to share waterfowl meat with their dog, the meat must be cooked thoroughly to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, following the same recommendations we have in place for human health.
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Will this affect Michigan’s waterfowl and raptor populations?
- We don't anticipate any serious impacts to Michigan’s duck, goose or swan populations. The populations immediately near the sites with the positive test results could see a decline, but there should not be impacts to the statewide population.
- HPAI has resulted in numerous mortality events in bald eagles and colony nesting birds like terns and cormorants. It is too early to determine whether the outbreak will result in population-level impacts, but research is ongoing.
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What simple steps can I take to minimize exposure?
- You should not directly handle any wild birds. Additionally, kids should not play with wild birds, especially those that are obviously sick or dead, but even apparently healthy wild birds since they may be carriers of HPAI.
- Don’t feed wild birds at parks to avoid congregating large numbers of birds.
- Avoid areas with high levels of bird feces, saliva or mucus because these secretions can contain HPAI virus.
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Should wild birds be culled to limit the spread of HPAI?
- Culling wild birds is not an effective management strategy to limit the spread of HPAI in wild birds. Depopulation (or culling) of domestic poultry operations is a different strategy because the goal is virus elimination and complete disinfection of the infected premises. This is not possible with wildlife.