In an unfortunate turn of events, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has reported three more outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, within dairy herds across the state. This follows the initial case confirmed in Montcalm County on March 29. The recent outbreaks have been identified in Ionia, Isabella, and Ottawa counties.

While specific farms affected by the outbreak were not disclosed, MDARD has classified them all as commercial farms, two of which possess herds comprising at least 500 animals. Speaking at a press briefing, MDARD Director Dr. Tim Boring acknowledged that the situation in Michigan mirrors outbreaks seen across the country, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance. The news is distressing for the poultry and dairy farming communities, as outbreaks of bird flu have serious implications for their livelihoods.

To address concerns over the safety of the commercial milk supply, multiple federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), have assured that pasteurization and federal animal health requirements ensure the safety of milk for consumption. Infected animals are not allowed to contribute milk to the bulk supply, and any potentially contaminated milk is promptly removed from circulation.

Michigan State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland clarified that although the affected animals are not quarantined, herd movements are restricted, and animals are only moved if absolutely necessary. This measure aims to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus that can be transmitted from infected wild birds to other animals through exposure to contaminated items such as equipment, feed, or even caretakers' clothing. While rare, there have been cases of humans contracting the virus, as highlighted by a farm worker testing positive for bird flu in Texas last month - only the second recorded human case in the United States.

Since the onset of the current outbreak in February 2022, bird flu has impacted over 85 million birds nationwide, making it the worst outbreak of its kind in American history. While birds have a significantly higher mortality rate from highly pathogenic avian influenza, cows generally have a lower fatality rate when infected.

MDARD is urging anyone who suspects avian flu in their domestic animals to contact them immediately. During the day, the hotline number is 800.292.3939, and after hours, callers should reach out to 517.373.0440.

This latest development serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the agriculture industry as it contends with the devastating impacts of avian influenza, emphasizing the importance of constant vigilance and prompt action to mitigate the spread of the virus.