Source-Al-Jazeera
The spread of HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) continues to pose a significant threat to dairy herds across West Michigan. The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) has reported a new outbreak in Ottawa County, confirmed by testing at the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. This marks the latest in a series of outbreaks affecting dairy herds in the region, with the first cattle outbreak identified on March 29 in Montcalm County. To date, there have been 23 outbreaks spanning 10 counties in Michigan.
Health and Safety Measures
Despite the spread of HPAI, federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assure the public that the commercial milk supply remains safe. The rigorous pasteurization process and stringent federal animal health regulations effectively mitigate the risk of contamination. HPAI, a highly contagious virus, can transfer from wild birds to other animals via contaminated items like equipment, feed, or clothing of caretakers.
While rare, human transmission has been documented. In April, a farm worker in Texas tested positive for HPAI, followed by a Michigan farm worker last week. These cases represent the second and third instances of human HPAI infection in the United States. The Michigan worker experienced minor symptoms and has since recovered without transmitting the virus to others.
Michigan health officials urge dairy and poultry farms to limit visits to stop spread of HPAI bird flu
The ongoing HPAI outbreak, which began in February 2022, has impacted over 96 million birds nationwide, making it the most severe bird flu outbreak in U.S. history. While HPAI is almost always fatal for birds, the mortality rate among cows remains low. MDARD urges anyone who suspects avian flu in their domestic animals to report immediately by calling 800.292.3939 during business hours or 517.373.0440 after hours. The swift reporting and containment measures are crucial in managing and mitigating the spread of this virus in Michigan’s dairy herds.
Measures for Containment and Prevention
Efforts to contain the spread of HPAI in Michigan have been extensive and multifaceted. Biosecurity measures are being reinforced on farms, including stringent sanitation protocols, limiting access to essential personnel only, and regularly disinfecting equipment and vehicles. Farmers and caretakers are also being educated on recognizing early symptoms of HPAI in livestock and implementing immediate isolation of suspected cases. These steps are critical in preventing further outbreaks and protecting both animal and human health.
Additionally, state and federal agencies are closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with veterinary experts to develop more effective strategies for disease control. Research is ongoing to better understand the transmission dynamics of HPAI and to improve diagnostic tools for quicker detection. Public health advisories have been issued to inform communities about the risks and preventive measures they can take, especially those working in close contact with livestock.
