LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Amidst the ongoing threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly referred to as “bird flu,” sweeping through poultry and dairy cattle populations across the United States, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is issuing a stern call to action.

Biosecurity measures need to be taken immediately.

Dr. Tim Boring, Director of MDARD, stresses the urgent need for farmers and backyard poultry owners to bolster their biosecurity measures and asserts how heightened vigilance and stringent protocols are essential to mitigate the risks of disease introduction and transmission, thereby safeguarding animal health.

Virus can be transferred by objects and equipment.

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Recognizing the potential for inadvertent virus transmission through various means such as farm equipment, footwear, and service vehicles, MDARD extends its plea beyond individual producers to encompass companies, businesses, and organizations engaging in daily activities across multiple farms.

Dr. Boring underscores the collective responsibility required to protect domestic animal health, particularly as wild bird migrations intensify during spring. Notably, two counties in Michigan, Ionia and Montcalm, have already reported cases of HPAI.

State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland highlights the importance of biosecurity as a means of risk reduction, emphasizing simple yet effective practices such as equipment disinfection, hand hygiene, and the exclusion of wild birds from livestock areas.

Collaboration with veterinarians to devise secure food supply plans further fortifies animal health defenses.

MDARD outlines steps for businesses and farms to help mitigate risks.

To aid in implementing robust biosecurity practices, MDARD provides a concise list of actionable steps for businesses and farms:

• Delay or stop incoming or returning animals from herds with unknown or suspect health status.
• Isolate all animals that are new or returning to your farm.
• Monitor the health of your animals daily.
• Contact your veterinarian if there are ever any animal health-related concerns or if you wouldlike to develop a secure food supply plan.
• Sick animals should have dedicated equipment and be cared for after tending to healthyanimals first.
• Clothing, footwear, and equipment worn/used around sick animals should not be worn/used around other animals until they are cleaned and disinfected. Use an EPA-registered disinfectant effective against avian influenza.
• Do not share tools, equipment, trailers, etc. with other farms.
• Clean and disinfect the interiors of trailers used to haul animals from other operations.
• Limit non-essential visitors to your farm.
• Require or provide clean clothing and footwear to those entering your farm.
• Use hand-washing stations and provide gloves to those working on your farm.HPAI primarily affects various bird species, including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, geese, guinea fowl and ducks. While the virus poses minimal public health risks, MDARD underscores the safety of the commercial food supply, due to federal animal health regulations and pasteurization standards.

MDARD reassures the public of its readiness to respond swiftly to HPAI outbreaks, collaborating closely with local, state, and national partners to safeguard animal and public health. Prompt reporting of suspected HPAI cases or other animal diseases is encouraged to facilitate timely intervention.