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Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Updates in Michigan Sign up to receive updates and alerts about avian influenza in Michigan.

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.

MDARD's Response

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

HPAI Risk Reduction Response Order

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

  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.

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

Dairy cows feeding in a meadow

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 in a hen house

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

Enhanced biosecurity measures for visiting dairy farms

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:

Farm Worker Enhanced Prevention: Center for Disease Control's updated guidance to prevent disease and reduce severity of infections. Includes updated guidance, personal protective equipment inforgraphics, and other resources.

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

For Fairs and Exhibitions

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.

USDA APHIS Indemnity and Compensation when Your Flock is Infected

Michigan Poultry Veterinarians GIS Map

Other Animals

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Cats: FAQ about HPAI and feral and domestic cats

Printable Flyers and Posters:

Recursos en Español