Credit FWS.GOV The Four North American Flyways
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Although Michigan was not among the 15 states reporting outbreaks of HPAI H5 in poultry last spring, in early June – very near the end of the nation’s worst bird flu outbreak - they did report finding HPAI H5N2 In Free Ranging Canadian Geese (goslings), collected near Sterling Heights.
This fall Michigan, along with the rest of the country, are on alert for the expected return of HPAI H5 on the wings of wild and migratory birds headed south for the winter.
All summer the USDA & APHIS have been issuing biosecurity advice for poultry farmers, and preparing their agencies to deal with the expected return of bird flu. Some blogs on these preparations include:
APHIS: What To Expect If You Suspect
HPAI Guidance For People With Backyard Poultry, Bird Enthusiasts & Hunters
APHIS: Fall 2015 HPAI Preparedness & Response Plan
Since HPAI began showing up in Europe and Canada in November of last year, the virus could start appearing anytime now. Today Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) published the following reminder.
Threat of avian influenza returns with wild bird migration
Agency: Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentFor immediate release Oct. 19, 2015
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724LANSING – This past spring poultry farmers across the United States were affected by a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, which has been documented as the largest domestic animal health disaster in U.S. history.
Today, the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources reminds domestic poultry owners to be aware of the disease risks present during the fall migration of wild birds. Wild birds can carry various diseases that may spread to poultry operations if the wild and domestic birds have an opportunity to intermingle.
Avian influenza viruses have been found in many wild bird species including shorebirds, quail and pheasants, but are most often found in migratory waterfowl like ducks, geese and swans.
Although no cases of HPAI were detected in domestic birds in Michigan, backyard poultry owners should take precautions to prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Precautions include:
· Restricting outdoor access, including access to open ponds.
· Using well water or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
· Keeping poultry feed secure so it’s not accessible to wild birds or rodents.“Avian influenza is a virus circulating in the environment,” said Dr. James Averill, MDARD’s State Veterinarian. “Practicing proper biosecurity and preventing contact with wild birds should always be a priority for poultry owners.”
The DNR routinely conducts avian influenza surveillance on wild bird populations, examining deceased wild birds as well as live-trapped wild birds.
Waterfowl hunters should have little concern about avian influenza, but are encouraged to follow precautions when processing waterfowl, such as not eating or drinking while handling birds; wearing gloves while processing birds; avoiding direct contact with and then quickly and properly disposing of intestinal contents, and thoroughly washing hands and utensils.
If you think you have a sick backyard bird, contact your local veterinarian. However, if your flock is experiencing severe illness or multiple death losses, contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 or for after-hours emergencies call 517-373-0440. Michigan residents who notice the death loss of three or more wild birds should report it to the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
Over the next few weeks you can expect to hear this warning reiterated by every state, and by several other governments in North and Central America as well.
While this could bode badly for the poultry industry, the good news is neither of the North American HPAI H5 strains that circulated last spring appear to pose a significant human health risk.
The CDC, however, remains cautious and alert for any changes in these viruses, and has issued guidelines for dealing with HPAI H5 Exposure, Human Health Investigations & Response.
