By Jennifer Holton
Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock from Ottawa County. This is the first detection of HPAI in a Michigan domestic flock in 2026, and the 16th case in an Ottawa County poultry flock since the virus was first detected in the state in 2022. Even with the cold temperatures, the virus is still present in the environment and travelling through infected wild birds. MDARD continues to strongly recommend owners remain vigilant and actively protect their animals from HPAI.
“While there has not been a detection of HPAI in a Michigan domestic flock since November 2025, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, posing a risk to the state’s poultry farmers. As these birds move and migrate, their movement increases the risk of disease spread,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “Bird owners must continue to take every preventative measure they can to protect their flocks from being exposed to wild birds and the germs they could be carrying. Keeping Michigan’s domestic birds healthy needs to remain a priority.”
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low. As a reminder, people should properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs.
Source : michigan.gov