Health Officials Encourage Bird Flu Prevention Measuress

Health Officials Encourage Bird Flu Prevention Measures

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (Jan. 16, 2025) - The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) is reminding residents to take important steps to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. Since its initial detection in Michigan back in 2022, the virus has had a significant impact on both domestic and wild bird populations, while also making an unprecedented jump to dairy cattle in 2024.

"Although the risk to human health remains low, with only two reported cases of bird flu in Michigan farmworkers, it's critical that we remain proactive," said Adam London, Director of the Kent County Health Department. "Taking simple precautions is essential to protect ourselves, our animals, and our community from this virus."

To help reduce the transmission of bird flu, health officials encourage the following prevention tips:

• Report Unusual Bird Deaths: If you encounter multiple dead birds or observe signs of illness in birds, report it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after any contact with birds and wild animals or their environments.
• Cook Poultry Products Thoroughly: Ensure all poultry and eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential viruses.
• Do Not Consume Unpasteurized Products: Avoid raw milk and other unpasteurized products. Pasteurization is a process that involves heating milk to a high temperature for a period of time, helping to ensure dairy products are safe for consumption by eliminating potential pathogens.
• Pet Safety: Keep domestic pets away from wild birds and their droppings to prevent potential transmission.
• Avoid Contact with Wild Birds: Refrain from handling wild birds, especially those that appear sick or are found dead.

Hunters should take extra precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to HPAI when hunting or dressing wild birds, including:

• Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
• Always wear disposable gloves when handling or cleaning game and wash hands with soap and water immediately afterward. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Backyard poultry owners should implement the following enhanced measures to protect their flocks:

• Restrict Access: Limit visitor access to bird areas and ensure anyone entering uses proper protective equipment.
• Disinfect Equipment: Regularly clean and disinfect tools, clothing, and vehicles that come into contact with birds.
• Monitor Flock Health: Observe birds daily for signs of illness, such as sudden death, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, or a significant drop in egg production.
• Report Illnesses: Report any unusual or sudden bird deaths to MDARD immediately.

For more information on the status of bird flu in Michigan, please visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development website. For a broader national perspective, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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