According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as HPAI or bird flu, has now been found in every Michigan watershed, indicating that it has occurred statewide.
The DNR reports more bird flu detections this year than in 2024, with 130 wild birds testing positive throughout the state.
This fall, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reported increasing outbreaks of bird flu in commercial and backyard poultry flocks.
Just last month, Ottawa County confirmed three new outbreaks of bird flu in commercial flocks, bringing the total number to eight since the beginning of October. Allegan County also recorded its second outbreak since 2022, per an MDARD release. The exact locations of the outbreaks were not disclosed.
While the risk of bird flu infecting people is low, with only 70 confirmed human cases in the U.S. since 2022, the DNR is cautioning waterfowl hunters to take precautions such as not harvesting or handling wild birds that are found deceased, processing wild birds in the field, and cooking all meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Michigan’s waterfowl season runs September 1st through February 15th.
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