LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Avian influenza, also called chook flu, has been detected in an Alpena flock following an investigation performed by the Michigan Division of Agriculture and Rural Improvement (MDARD).
The Michigan State College Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory detected extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a yard flock from Alpena County within the northwest area of the southern peninsula.
MDARD reviews that that is the primary case of HPAI within the county for the reason that virus was first detected in Michigan in 2022.
Owosso residents react to potential chook flu outbreak
The division encourages the usage of private protecting gear (PPE) when dealing with home animals to guard your self and most of the people from the virus.
HPAI is a extremely contagious virus that may be unfold in varied methods from flock to flock, together with by wild birds, by contact with contaminated animals, by gear and on the garments or footwear of caretakers.
The U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention says the general public well being threat related to HPAI is low.
Easy methods to shield the well being of home birds in Michigan:
Stop contact between home and wild birds by bringing them indoors or making certain their outside space is totally enclosed.
Wash your arms earlier than and after dealing with birds in addition to when transferring between totally different coops.
Disinfect boots and different gear when transferring between coops.
Don’t share gear or different provides between coops or different farms.
Clear and disinfect gear and different provides between makes use of. If it can’t be disinfected, discard it.
Use effectively or municipal water as ingesting water for birds.
Maintain poultry feed safe to make sure there isn’t any contact between the feed/feed elements and wild birds or rodents.
