MDARD Urges Animal Owners to Continue Taking Steps to Prevent HPAI as Wild Birds Migrate this Spring

LANSING, Mich.-The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) urges animal owners to remain vigilant and take preventative measures against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as wild birds complete their spring migration.

"When wild birds move, so does HPAI. Even though there were only three cases of HPAI detected so far this year, the spring migration season brings an increased risk for transmission of the virus," said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "This virus thrives in the cool damp conditions that are common as spring arrives. It is imperative that owners continue to actively protect their flocks and herds from exposure to wild birds and their germs."

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be 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 properly handle and cook all meat and eggs and avoid consuming raw milk.

In 2025, there were 10 detections of HPAI in Michigan's commercial poultry flocks and 12 detections in backyard flocks. Nearly all of these cases occurred in the early spring or late fall months when wild birds migrate.

For dairy cattle, there were no detections of HPAI in Michigan's dairy herds in 2025, and the state was able to achieve Stage 4 / Unaffected Status in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Milk Testing Strategy back in July 2025. While achieving this status means the virus is no longer being detected, testing and monitoring continues to ensure there are no additional cases in the state's dairy cattle herds.

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

Reporting Possible Cases

For Domestic Animals

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

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

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe to receive email notifications by visiting MDARD's website and clicking on the "Avian Influenza" link. After entering a valid email address, subscribers will receive updates and alerts regarding the status of avian influenza in Michigan whenever there are new developments to report. Additional resources can also be found at Michigan.gov/BirdFlu.

More information on avian influenza and how to protect domestic animals through biosecurity measures can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website.

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