MDARD Encourages Animal Owners to Continue Taking Steps to Prevent HPAI as Wild Birds Migrate

Vigilance is still needed as HPAI continues to be detected in the United States

LANSING, Mich.—While highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has not been detected in Michigan's domestic animals since March 2026, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) encourages animal owners to remain vigilant and take preventative measures as wild birds start their fall migration.

"Since the current outbreak of HPAI began in February 2022, wild birds have been prominent carriers of this virus, serving as the most common cause for the spread of this disease. As wild birds have started to migrate this year, the virus is already being detected in poultry in Idaho, Minnesota, and South Dakota,"  said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "HPAI still poses a threat to Michigan s domestic animals, and taking measures to prevent animals from being exposed to wild birds and their germs is the best way to protect against this disease."

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can spread in various ways from animal to animal, including through wild birds, contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. The disease is also zoonotic, meaning it can affect both animals and people.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with this disease remains low. People should continue to properly handle and cook all meat and eggs to the correct internal temperature and avoid consuming raw milk.

Generally, a trend emerges every year namely, cases are detected when the spring migration of wild birds starts, then there is a lull throughout the summer months, and cases increase again in the fall when wild birds migrate once more.

In 2025, there was a total of 22 detections of HPAI in Michigan: 10 detections in commercial poultry flocks and 12 detections in backyard flocks. Of these 22 detections, 13 of them occurred in the fall. So far, in 2026, the virus was found in two commercial flocks and one backyard flock earlier this spring. While it is difficult to predict the impact of this disease for the upcoming fall season, keeping wild birds away from domestic animals will reduce the risk of disease.

Regardless of the species, owners can protect the health of Michigan s domestic animals by:

• Preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds.
• Limiting non-essential visitors to your farm.
• Washing your hands before and after caring for animals.
• Not sharing equipment or other supplies between farms.
• Cleaning and disinfecting clothing, footwear, and equipment worn/used around sick animals. Use an EPA-registered disinfectant effective against avian influenza.
• Keeping feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
• Allowing sufficient downtime between visits to poultry and dairy operations so the virus is not being carried between facilities.
• Contacting your veterinarian if there are ever any animal health-related concerns.

Reporting Possible Cases

For Domestic Animals

In Michigan, HPAI is reportable in all species of domestic animals. If avian influenza is suspected, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).

For Wildlife

If anyone notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained behaviors or deaths among wild birds and other wildlife, please report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the Eyes in the Field app or by calling 517-336-5030.

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe to receive email notifications by visiting MDARD's Media Room website and clicking on the Avian Influenza link. After entering a valid email address, subscribers will receive updates and alerts regarding the status of avian influenza in Michigan whenever there are new developments to report. Additional resources can also be found at Michigan.gov/BirdFlu.

More information on avian influenza and how to protect domestic animals through biosecurity measures can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website.

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