Bird Owners Asked to Increase Biosecurity to Prevent Spread of Avian Influenza
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is encouraging domestic bird owners to increase their biosecurity efforts and take appropriate steps to protect their birds from avian influenza.
“Arkansas, Missouri, and Minnesota have detected avian influenza in commercial flocks recently which raises concerns that Michigan may be next as wild waterfowl will be migrating north soon,” said State Veterinarian Dr. James Averill.
Avian influenza is a viral disease that can infect wild birds and domestic poultry. Birds get the flu just as people do and, as with people, some forms of the flu are worse than others. Avian flu can spread fast and quickly kill chickens and turkeys. Wild birds, however, can carry the virus without appearing sick.
No human infections with this virus have been reported, and the Centers for Disease Control considers the risk to people to be low.
Tips to help prevent the spread of avian flu:
- Restrict access to your property and keep your birds away from other birds. Keep your poultry away from open ponds and waterways that may be visited by migrating waterfowl.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after working with birds. Clean and disinfect equipment.
- Buy birds from sources that have disease monitoring programs and keep new birds separated for at least 30 days.
- Don’t share equipment or supplies with neighbors or other bird owners. If you must borrow, disinfect it first.
- Early detection can help prevent the spread of the disease. Check your birds frequently. If you find a sick or dead wild bird, don’t touch it.
- If your birds are sick or dying, contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 or for after-hours emergencies 517-373-0440. If you notice dead wild birds, call the Michigan Department of Natural Resources hotline 1-800-292-7800.
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