Experts have detected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock in Eaton County.
It’s the first detection of the virus in domestic birds in Eaton County and the first time HPAI has been confirmed in a Michigan domestic poultry flock since early December, officials with the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said.
But agency officials said it’s a reminder the virus is still present and that bird owners need to remain vigilant.
“While there has not been a detection of HPAI in a Michigan domestic flock since December 2022, the virus has continued to circulate in wild birds,” state Veterinarian Nora Wineland said in a news release. “As these birds migrate this spring, their movement increases the risk of disease spread.”
Eaton is the 16th Michigan county where HPAI has been detected in non-commercial poultry flocks. The Eaton County flock of about 15 chickens was “depopulated” and the premises quarantined to prevent spreading the virus, MDARD staff said. The agency didn’t disclose the specific location of affected properties.
The virus was detected in backyard flocks in Ingham County last September and in Livingston County last April.