Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly called “bird flu,” is a virus found among various species of birds. HPAI viruses can infect domestic poultry, which includes chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl.
The virus also infects a wide variety of other birds, including wild migratory waterfowl. HPAI has even been detected in various species of mammals—presumably after the animals come into contact with infected wild birds. For more information on current detections in domestic poultry, livestock, and wildlife across the U.S., please visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s webpage.
On May 1st, 2024, Director Dr. Tim Boring signed a Determination of Extraordinary Emergency, HPAI Risk Reduction Response Order, to further protect Michigan's poultry and livestock industries from the ongoing threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (view press release).
| 06/28/2024 |
MDARD HPAI Order FAQ for June 26 Amendment: Frequently Asked Questions on the requirements outlined in the June 26 Amendment |
| 06/26/2024 | Determination of Extraordinary Emergency: June 26 Amendment |
| 05/13/2024 |
MDARD HPAI Order FAQ for Exhibitions: frequently asked questions for Michigan fairs and exhibitions in response to the HPAI outbreak. |
| 05/13/2024 |
MDARD HPAI Order FAQ for Biosecurity: questions for required enhanced biosecurity in Michigan as part of the HPAI Risk Reduction Response Order. |
| 05/03/2024 |
Additional Guidance on HRRRO: Further information on required enhanced biosecurity requirements for both dairy and poultry operations in Michigan in response to this HPAI outbreak. |
| 05/01/2024 |
Report Domestic Animal Diseases:
800-292-3939 (day) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours)
Report Wildlife/Wild Bird Diseases:
517-336-5030 or Eyes in the Field
As detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza continue to be discovered throughout Michigan, it remains vital for every producer to take steps to protect their animals.
Cases of the disease continue to be found in Michigan’s wildlife and domestic animals. In March 2024, the virus was also detected in Michigan dairy cattle. Regardless of the species, biosecurity remains the best tool to combat HPAI.
MDARD continues to diligently work with local, state, and federal partners to quickly respond to reports of HPAI, mitigate the spread of the disease, and provide additional outreach to producers, industry, and other key stakeholders. Stay up to date with the latest information by signing up to receive notifications on HPAI in Michigan.
2024 HPAI Detections by County: click to download PDF What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza?
HPAI is a highly contagious virus in birds and poultry that can be spread directly by infected wild birds or animals or indirectly through any item that has been exposed to the virus, such as equipment, feed, or the clothing and shoes of caretakers. The virus has been detected in various species of mammals, including Michigan dairy cattle.
What is being done at the state level to prevent and stop the spread of HPAI?
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to work with state and federal partners, veterinarians, Michigan State University Extension, MSU’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and industry stakeholders to provide information to poultry farmers and backyard flock owners about the current disease situation, importance of following (and even increasing) their biosecurity measures, and what signs to look for in their birds.
MDARD continues to take swift action in response to this disease and is closely monitoring and responding to reports of sick domestic birds and HPAI throughout the state.
How does HPAI impact infected birds?
HPAI viruses cause severe illness in chickens and turkeys and can wipe out entire flocks in days. Potential symptoms include: sudden death, drop in egg production, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, and diarrhea. Additional symptoms and information may be found on USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's webpage.
Can I get avian influenza from consuming poultry, or eggs?
No. Poultry and eggs that are properly prepared and cooked are safe to eat. Proper food safety practices are important every day. In addition to proper processing, proper handling and cooking of poultry provides protection from viruses and bacteria, including avian influenza. The chance of infected poultry or eggs entering the food chain is extremely low because of the rapid onset of symptoms in poultry as well as the safeguards USDA has in place, which include testing of flocks, and Federal inspection programs.
How do I protect my own birds?
How does HPAI impact infected cattle?
Unlike HPAI in birds which is typically fatal, little to no mortality has been reported among dairy cattle with most animals recovering. The virus may cause a decreased milk supply along with other mild symptoms.
Is it safe to drink milk?
Yes. Milk Products are pasteurized before entering the market. There is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply, or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. Pasteurization has continuously proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Raw milk is not recommended to be consumed, as those who consume raw milk and/or milk products are at risk for a variety of illnesses.
Report Domestic Animal Diseases: 800-292-3939 (day) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours)
Report Wildlife/Wild Bird Diseases: 517-336-5030 or Eyes in the Field
Cattle Reminders: If cattle producers are noticing decreased lactation, low appetite, abnormal milk, abnormally tacky or loose feces, and/or low fever within their herds, please contact your veterinarian to determine the next appropriate steps to take before reporting.
Poultry Reminders: HPAI is NOT evidenced by one dead bird or one coughing/sneezing bird while the remainder of the flock is acting normally. Instead, for small flock owners, look for two or more dead birds within a 24-hour period and symptoms in the rest of the flock (not eating, acting lethargic or sleepy with eyes closed, tucking their head close to their body, and appearing to be puffed up).
Whether you have a few backyard birds or a large commercial flock, following these biosecurity measures can help protect Michigan’s domestic birds:
MSU Extension Dairy Educator Cora Okkema discusses the enhanced biosecurity measures that are implemented in periods of disease outbreaks in dairy farms.
Video: Personal protection equipment recommendations for dairy workers during an H5N1 outbreak. MSU Educators Martin J Mangual and Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa showcase the recommended personal protection equipment (PPE) that dairy workers should use to mitigate the risk of infection while working on herds positive for the H5N1 virus. (Vídeo en español)
Looking for information about biosecurity? MDARD has information and resources about biosecurity in agriculture for a variety of types of farms. Choose which applies:
Video: Personal protection equipment recommendations for dairy workers during an H5N1 outbreak: MSU Educators Martin J Mangual and Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa showcase the recommended personal protection equipment (PPE) that dairy workers should use to mitigate the risk of infection while working on herds positive for the H5N1 virus. (Vídeo en español)
Printable flyers and posters: Printable posters in English and Spanish can be handed out directly to people or posted in visible locations to ensure access to education about HPAI and biosecurity.
MDARD/FRSAN Legacy of the Land grants / MSU Extension Farm Stress Program Resources
MSU Extension Teletherapy Program: MSU Extension partners with a therapy provider to provide telehealth services to farmers, farm families and workers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with HPAI remains low.
On May 22nd, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Michigan's first human case of HPAI in a dairy farm worker. On May 30th, a second human case of HPAI in a farm worker in Michigan was reported. According to the CDC, the risk to the public remains low. View the CDC's situation and case summary for all in the U.S.
The management and elimination of HPAI disease includes practices that ensure no poultry products (meat or eggs) from HPAI positive flocks enter the food chain. As a reminder, it is essential that people follow proper food safety practices when handling and cooking all poultry and eggs products.
As a reminder, it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United States. The proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including HPAI viruses.
With regard to the latest detection of HPAI in dairy cattle across the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the commercial milk supply remains safe due to both federal animal health requirements and pasteurization.
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing results from its testing of retail ground beef. FSIS collected 30 samples of ground beef from retail outlets in the states with dairy cattle herds that had tested positive for the H5N1 influenza virus at the time of sample collection. The samples were sent to APHIS’ National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for PCR testing. On May 1, NVSL reported that all samples tested negative for H5N1. These results reaffirm that the meat supply is safe.
For more information, see the FDA's questions and answers about milk safety during highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks.
The FDA maintains an HPAI updates page for up-to-date information on national food safety.
USDA APHIS Indemnity and Compensation when Your Flock is Infected
Michigan Poultry Veterinarians GIS Map
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Cats: FAQ about HPAI and feral and domestic cats
