While highly pathogenic avian influenza has not been detected in Michigan’s domestic animals since March, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development encourages animal owners to remain vigilant and take preventative measures as wild birds that may carry the virus complete their fall migration.

“Since the current outbreak of HPAI began in February 2022, the most common cause of disease spread has been wild birds. As wild birds have started to migrate this year, the virus is already being detected in poultry from North and South Dakota,” State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland advised in a news release. “With the virus continuing to circulate, owners must actively take measures to protect their animals from being exposed to wild birds and their germs. Keeping Michigan’s domestic animals healthy needs to remain a priority.”

In 2024, MDARD — along with other state, federal, and animal health partners — responded to the largest HPAI outbreak in Michigan’s history. Beginning with a detection in a dairy herd in late March, the virus affected 31 dairies, 11 commercial poultry flocks and two backyard poultry flocks across 15 Michigan counties. Two Michigan residents working with infected dairy cattle developed the disease as well.

The state so far in 2025 has had two HPAI detections in commercial poultry flocks and seven detections in Michigan backyard flocks. For dairy cattle, Michigan was one of the first states to enroll in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Milk Testing Strategy, requiring regular testing for HPAI in all of the state’s licensed dairy facilities. In July, Michigan achieved Stage 4/Unaffected Status, meaning the virus is no longer being detected in the state’s dairy cattle herds.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can spread in various ways from animal to animal, including through wild birds, contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. The disease is also zoonotic, meaning it can affect both animals and people.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with this disease remains low. People should continue to properly handle and cook all meat and eggs to the correct internal temperature and avoid consuming raw milk.

Despite the progress being made in combating this disease, vigilance is still needed, MDARD stressed. Generally, a trend emerges every year — namely, cases are detected when the spring migration of wild birds starts, then there is a lull throughout the summer months, and cases increase again in the fall when wild birds migrate once more.

Regardless of the species, owners can protect the health of Michigan’s domestic animals by:

— Preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds;

— Limiting non-essential visitors to your farm;

— Washing hands before and after caring for animals;

— Not sharing equipment or other supplies between farms;

— Cleaning and disinfecting clothing, footwear, and equipment worn/used around sick animals, using an EPA-registered disinfectant effective against avian influenza;

— Keeping feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents;

— Allowing sufficient downtime between visits to poultry and dairy operations so the virus is not being carried between facilities; and

— Contacting your veterinarian if there are ever any animal health-related concerns.

In Michigan, HPAI is reportable in all species of animals. If avian influenza is suspected, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after hours).

For wildlife, anyone who notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained behaviors or deaths among wild birds and other wildlife can report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources through the Eyes in the Field app or by calling 517-336-5030.