Bird Flu Still Considered A Threat

While Michigan escaped one of the biggest animal health disasters in U.S. history this past spring, state officials are still warning poultry owners to watch for signs of bird flu during the fall migration season.

The advisory comes from the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources because an influx of wild birds that could carry the bird flu virus and mingle with domestic ones.

Ag Department spokesperson Jennifer Holton says the virus could strike at any time if carried and transmitted by wild birds — such as ducks and geese — to domestic birds in Michigan.

Holton urges backyard poultry owners to restrict access to open ponds, give the birds water from wells or municipal systems, and keeping feed away from wild birds or rodents.