An investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has found highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry facility in Ottawa County.
The affected facility is under quarantine, and the birds will be depopulated to prevent disease spread and ensure the safety of the commercial food supply.
This is the first detection of the disease in a Michigan flock since May 2024 when the state managed the largest outbreak of the disease.
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread from flock to flock through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.
A state veterinarian cautions that as the weather remains cold and HPAI continues to circulate in wild bird populations, conditions are ideal for the virus to thrive and spread, and recommends taking measures to keep domestic animals away from wild birds and cleaning and disinfecting equipment between uses.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states the risk to humans remains low.
