MONTCALM COUNTY, Mich. – Hen flu has been detected in a dairy herd from Montcalm County.The instances are believed to be linked to chook flu (HPAI) instances present in cattle in Texas. The farm not too long ago acquired cattle from an affected space in Texas earlier than that herd was identified to have chook flu. When the cattle had been moved from Texas to Michigan they didn’t seem in poor health.MDARD is working with the federal government and Michigan dairy farmers to stop the illness from spreading.“This case does replicate quite a lot of what’s already identified about this virus — specifically, that it’s extremely contagious, it continues to be primarily unfold by wild birds and call with contaminated animals, and mammals can contract the virus,” stated State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM.The general public well being danger related to HPAI is low. The FDA and CDC have stated the business milk provide is protected as a consequence of pasteurization.If anybody believes they’ve seen an animal with HPAI they’re requested to contact MDARD instantly at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).—> Learn: Dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas take a look at optimistic for chook fluWhat is HPAI?Extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a really contagious virus that may be unfold between flocks by way of contact with contaminated birds, tools, or the clothes and footwear of caretakers.The virus has been detected in varied mammals, it’s believed they bought it after having contact with sick birds.One of many main indicators of HPAI is sudden demise and excessive demise losses. Sick birds might present neurological indicators like problem strolling, lack of urge for food, low power, or lack of vocalization.You would possibly discover a big drop in egg manufacturing, swollen combs, wattles, legs, or head. They may even have diarrhea, nasal discharge, sneezing, or coughing.Geese and geese are thought of carriers, however geese typically don’t go on chook flu.How you can defend home birdsThe Michigan DNR has provided the next steps to guard the well being of birds you take care of:Stop contact between home and wild birds by bringing them indoors or making certain their out of doors space is absolutely enclosed.Wash your palms earlier than and after dealing with birds in addition to when shifting between completely different coops.Disinfect boots and different gear when shifting between coopsDo not share tools or different provides between coops or different farms.Clear and disinfect tools 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.Preserve poultry feed safe to make sure there isn’t a contact between the feed/feed substances and wild birds or rodents.Can people get HPAI?Sure. Whereas it primarily impacts birds, it’s a zoonotic illness and may doubtlessly go from home or wild animals to people.In keeping with the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, the general public well being danger related to HPAI stays low, however advises individuals to keep away from dealing with any sick or useless wild birds.How you can report potential instances of chook fluDomestic chook house owners and caretakers ought to hold an eye fixed out for sudden deaths within the flock, a drop in egg manufacturing, a big lower in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, or a rise in sick birds.If you happen to suspect birds you take care of have avian influenza, you must contact MDARD instantly at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).Anybody who notices uncommon or unexplained deaths amongst wild birds can report instances to the Michigan Division of Sources on-line utilizing the Eyes within the Area app or by calling the DNR Wildlife Illness Laboratory at 517-336-5030.Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.