Highly contagious bird flu found in backyard flock of Eaton County chickens

LANSING − Experts have detected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock in Eaton County.

It's the first detection of the virus in domestic birds in Eaton County and the first time HPAI has been confirmed in a Michigan domestic poultry flock since early December, officials with the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said.

But agency officials said it's a reminder the virus is still present and that bird owners need to remain vigilant.

"While there has not been a detection of HPAI in a Michigan domestic flock since December 2022, the virus has continued to circulate in wild birds," state Veterinarian Nora Wineland said in a news release. "As these birds migrate this spring, their movement increases the risk of disease spread."

Eaton is the 16th Michigan county where HPAI has been detected in non-commercial poultry flocks. The Eaton County flock of about 15 chickens was "depopulated" and the premises quarantined to prevent spreading the virus, MDARD staff said. The agency didn't disclose the specific location of affected properties.

The virus was detected in backyard flocks in Ingham County last September and in Livingston County last April.

Bird flu is highly contagious and can spread quickly from flock to flock. Wild birds are a major vector, but the virus also can be spread through contact with equipment, clothing or people who have handled the birds.

Millions of birds at commercial farms across the U.S. have been killed because of the virus. MDARD said no products containing the virus will enter the commercial food chain, and the health risk to humans is considered low.

With spring bird migrations underway, MDARD is urging bird owners to follow basic bio-security measures, such as hand washing, disinfecting equipment and "doing everything you can to reduce potential for wild birds to interact with your backyard flock," agency spokeswoman Jennifer Holton said.

Flock owners should avoid sharing equipment with neighbors and secure feed supplies from wild birds or rodents, MDARD officials said. They should also inspect their shoes after walking among their birds.

Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Highly pathogenic avian influenza bird flu HPAI found Eaton County chickens