Avian Influenza

New: HPAI Dairy Surveillance Program

Michigan has started testing milk samples as part of a federal surveillance program. MDARD is testing milk samples already going to laboratories for routine quality and regulatory testing.

Learn more about HPAI on this page.

Learn more about HPAI Surveillance for Producers

What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza?

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.

In 2024, Director Dr. Tim Boring signed a Determination of Extraordinary Emergency, HPAI Risk Reduction Response Order. Learn more about MDARD's response to HPAI in 2024.

What is HPAI?
Status in Michigan
Hotlines and Reporting

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
Biosecurity
Cattle | Poultry | Small Flock | Cattle Producers | Commercial Poultry | Wildlife
Info for:
Farms/Farm Workers | Veterinarians | Fairs | Animal Control | The General Public
Recursos en Español
Media Resources
HPAI News

Current Status in Michigan's Domestic Animals

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.

HPAI Detections

Use the table below to find detections in your area. You can filter by county, date, or facility.

HPAI's Frequently Asked Questions

HPAI: What is the Virus, What is MDARD doing?

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.

> More information about public health.
HPAI In Poultry: How does HPAI impact birds, eggs, and flocks?
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?

Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.

Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.

Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.

Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.

Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.

Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.

Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
HPAI In Cattle: How does HPAI impact cattle and milk?

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.

How Can We Help?

Farms/Farm Workers

Veterinarians

Fairs and Exhibitions

Animal Control

General Public

Who Do I Call? Hotlines & Reporting

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

Biosecurity

Cattle
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.
- Delay or stop incoming or returning animals from herds with unknown or suspect health status.
- Isolate all animals that are new or returning to your farm.
- Monitor the health of your animals daily.
- Contact your veterinarian if there are ever any animal health-related concerns or if you would like to develop a secure food supply plan.
- Sick animals should have dedicated equipment and be cared for after tending to healthy animals first.
- Clothing, footwear, and equipment worn/used around sick animals should not be worn/used around other animals until they are cleaned and disinfected. Use an EPA-registered disinfectant effective against avian influenza.
- Do not share tools, equipment, trailers, etc. with other farms.
- Clean and disinfect the interiors of trailers used to haul animals from other operations.
- Limit non-essential visitors to your farm.
- If individuals have recently been on a poultry farm, they should not visit a dairy operation, and vice versa.
- Require or provide clean clothing and footwear to those entering your farm.
- Use hand-washing stations and provide gloves to those working on your farm.
HPAI Biosecurity Checklist
Poultry
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:
- Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.
- Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.
- Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.
- Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
- Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.
- Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
- Keep poultry feed secure so there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
HPAI Biosecurity Checklist

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)

More Biosecurity Resources

For Farms/Farm Workers

Looking for information about biosecurity? MDARD has information and resources about biosecurity in agriculture for a variety of types of farms. Choose which applies:

Small Flock Biosecurity
Cattle Producers Biosecurity
Commercial Poultry Biosecurity

USDA Announces Next Steps in the Effort to Support the Fight Against Avian Influenza: (March 25) Following U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ recent announcement of emergency funding to combat avian flu and reduce egg prices, USDA in consultation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing initial plans for a funding opportunity to explore prevention, therapeutics, research, and potential vaccine candidates.

USDA Announces Biosecurity Assessments and Audits to Support Avian Influenza Prevention: (March 19) Following U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ recent announcement of emergency funding to combat avian flu and reduce egg prices, USDA is announcing the expansion of biosecurity assessments and audits available to commercial poultry producers.

USDA Michigan Dairy HPAI Surveillance Program: Information on the USDA's nation-wide mandated test of milk from dairy farms and how it affects farms in Michigan.

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.

Michigan Farm Bureau Stress and Mental Health Resources

Outdoor Mass Carcass Site Selection (PDF): Composting site selection considerations to help producers respond to large-scale animal mortalities, protecting human health and Michigan’s environmental resources.

Site Selection Considerations and Guidance for Composting (PDF): Guidelines for when outbreaks occur. Strict biosecurity measures are crucial for livestock producers to prevent the spread of highly contagious animal diseases.

For Veterinarians

World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Avian Influenza Information
Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: HPAI in Cattle
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Cats: FAQ for Veterinarians regarding HPAI and Cats

For Fairs and Exhibitions

USDA: Recommendations to Minimize Influenza Transmission at Dairy Cattle Livestock Exhibitions
Resources for Exhibitions: general requirements for fairs and exhibitions in Michigan, including requirements by species

For Animal Control Officers

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Basics for Shelters (PDF)

For The General Public

Public Health

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.

Human Safety

Food Safety

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.