Race Day Live The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is warning residents and pet owners to take precautions as cases of bird flu continue to rise in the state.
The disease, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), spreads easily and can cause serious illness or death in birds and some mammals.
Since December 2024, more wild birds have been dying from bird flu in Michigan. The most affected birds include Canada geese, trumpeter swans, and scavenger birds.
This is the first time since May 2024 that the disease has been found in a Michigan poultry flock. It is also the second time a commercial poultry farm in Ottawa County has reported an outbreak since the virus was first detected in Michigan in 2022.
Mitch Marcus, Wildlife Health Supervisor at the DNR, said that all Michigan residents should be aware of the risks.
“Waterfowl hunters are more likely to come across infected birds, but everyone needs to understand that bird flu can affect wildlife, people, and pets,” he said. The virus has been found in wild birds, mammals, dairy cattle, and even domestic cats.
Although the risk to humans is low, people can still get infected, especially if they come into direct contact with sick animals.
In the spring of 2024, two Michigan farmworkers tested positive for bird flu after being exposed to infected animals. Wild birds can carry the virus without showing symptoms, making it even harder to detect.
To stay safe, the DNR advises people not to touch or pick up sick or dead birds. If someone comes into contact with an infected bird or contaminated surfaces, they should watch for symptoms for at least 10 days.
Common symptoms of bird flu in humans include fever, chills, sore throat, shortness of breath, eye irritation, runny nose, and body aches.
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To prevent the spread of bird flu, the DNR has shared some important safety guidelines for hunters, pet owners, and the general public:
- Always cook meat to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any viruses.
- Bury remains from processed birds on-site or dispose of them in double-bagged household trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth while handling wild birds.
- Wear rubber or disposable gloves when handling and cleaning birds, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.
- Clean and disinfect all knives, equipment, and surfaces used for processing wild birds.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or cleaning birds.
- Keep pets and domestic animals away from wild birds, dead animals, hunting gear, and footwear that has been in contact with infected birds.
- Shower after hunting and before handling pets or livestock.
- Wash hands before and after tending to animals.
- Do not share hunting gear, tools, or equipment between different locations.
By following these precautions, Michigan residents can help reduce the spread of bird flu and keep both wildlife and domestic animals safe.
If anyone finds a sick or dead bird, they should report it to the Michigan DNR to help track and manage the outbreak.
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