LANSING, MICH. — Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock from Cass County.

The outbreak is the first case of HPAI in Cass County since the disease was first detected in the state in 2022, and the first detection of the disease in Michigan since March 2023. MDARD said approximately 60 birds were affected.

“While there have been fewer detections of HPAI in the United States and Michigan this year, the threat posed by this virus was never fully eliminated,” said Nora Wineland, state veterinarian. “Even though this detection is unfortunate, it is not unexpected, as cases of HPAI continue to be discovered both nationally and in Michigan’s wildlife, meaning the virus is still very present and circulating in the environment. The best strategy any bird owner has against this disease is prevention. It is essential to continue taking precautionary measures to protect flocks from wild birds and the germs they could be carrying.”

MDARD said it is continuing to work diligently with local, state and federal partners to quickly respond to reports of sick or dead domestic birds to mitigate the spread of HPAI best and provide outreach.

In October, over a dozen states reported HPAI outbreaks, pushing the current total of birds culled nationwide due to the disease to over 60 million.

To date, the US Department of Agriculture reports 62.8 million birds affected by the current wave of HPAI.