DNR warns Michigan residents, pet owners to protect themselves from bird flu – MLive.com
This colorized electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 2024 shows avian influenza A virus (bird flu) particles, red/yellow, grown in cultured cells. (CDC, NIAID via AP)APThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds Michiganders to protect themselves and domestic animals amid ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza cases.HPAI, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in birds and mammals. Since December 2024, wild bird mortality cases have increased across the state, particularly among Canada geese, trumpeter swans, and scavenging birds.This marks the first time the disease has been detected in a Michigan poultry flock since May 2024, when the state managed the largest bird flu outbreak. It is also the second case of the virus in a commercial poultry facility in Ottawa County since the disease was first detected in Michigan in 2022.Related: Bird flu detected in West Michigan commercial poultry facility“While waterfowl hunters are much more likely to encounter wild birds, it’s important for all Michiganders to understand the health risks that bird flu can pose to wildlife, humans and domestic animals,” said Mitch Marcus, DNR Wildlife Health supervisor. “The virus has been identified in Michigan’s wild birds and mammals, as well as domestic cats, dairy cattle and poultry.”The risk of HPAI infecting people is low, but it can still happen, especially to those who come into contact with infected animals or material. Last spring, two human cases of influenza A (H5N1) were reported in Michigan farmworkers.Wild birds can carry HPAI without appearing sick. As a precaution, the DNR reminds residents not to harvest or handle sick or dead wild birds.If you have close contact with contaminated birds or surfaces, monitor yourself for 10 days for symptoms such as a fever of 100 degrees, chills, sore throat, shortness of breath, eye irritation, runny or stuffy nose and body aches.Related: Bird flu detected in Wayne County flock for first time, location under quarantineTo help prevent the spread of bird flu, hunters and pet owners should follow these guidelines:If you observe a die-off of six or more waterfowl, gulls or shorebirds, report it through the DNR Eyes in the Field online tool or contact your local DNR field office.Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Grand Rapids” daily newsletter.If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025).© 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.YouTube’s privacy policy is available here and YouTube’s terms of service is available here.Ad Choices
