WASHINGTON — Two more states reported highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases as the virus continues to be detected around the country.

On Dec. 31, the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported outbreaks in California and Michigan.

California reported a commercial egg laying flock in Riverside County that affected 181,300 birds.

Two commercial flocks in Ottawa County, Mich., were reported on the same day, with one flock seeing 23,600 turkeys affected and the other one having 29,600 affected.

“Everyone has a role to play in protecting against HPAI and limiting its capability to take hold and spread,” said Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). “Following biosecurity protocols, like using personal protective equipment when caring for animals, is critical to ensuring the health of humans and animals.”

MDARD worked with the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to detect the presence of HPAI.

“As HPAI continues to circulate in wild birds, taking steps to prevent both direct and indirect contact between wildlife and domestic animals is important to prevent disease introduction,” said Nora Wineland, DVM, state veterinarian for Michigan. “Anyone caring for domestic animals needs to be aware of all the ways the virus could spread and take action to mitigate those risks. Protecting animal health will benefit both people and animals.”

According to numbers from the APHIS, more than 17 million birds have been affected by HPAI in the last 30 days.