LANSING, MICH. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced on April 12 the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in three additional dairy herds in Michigan, bringing the state’s total number of affected herds to four.

“What is happening with HPAI in Michigan, mirrors what is happening in states across the country,” said Tim Boring, director of MDARD. “This virus does not stop at county or state lines, which is why we must all be on high alert. This news is unfortunate and upsetting for our poultry and dairy farming families and communities.”

Boring said MDARD is continuing to work with federal, state and local partners to respond to the disease.

“Thanks to recent budget investments, MDARD is well poised to properly engage in this response,” he said. “If you believe your livestock are showing clinical signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. We're all on the same team as we combat HPAI.”

On March 29, MDARD announced the state’s first case of HPAI in a dairy herd located in Montcalm County. With this positive detection, Michigan became the third state to report the avian flu spreading to cows — Texas and Kansas being the first two.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, eight states have reported positive cases of HPAI in dairy cattle since March, when the transmission of the disease to cattle was first discovered. Detections have been confirmed in the following states: Texas, Kansas Michigan, New Mexico, Idaho, Ohio, North Carolina and South Dakota.

There have been no reports of the disease spreading to beef cattle.