Michigan pauses bird exhibitions at zoos, other venues amid avian flu spread

Michigan has ordered all hen exhibitions to pause as extra circumstances of the hen flu are being confirmed within the state.

Michigan Division of Agriculture and Rural Improvement’s (MDARD) Director, Gary McDowell, introduced the brand new protocol on Tuesday, ordering a cease to 2022 poultry and waterfowl exhibitions in Michigan till such time that the state goes 30 days and not using a new detection of extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in home poultry. This choice is efficient instantly to additional defend towards the unfold of HPAI, serving to to maintain Michigan’s home poultry flocks secure.

This cease does embrace (however is just not restricted to) exhibits, exhibitions, swap meets, petting zoos at festivals, and recreation hen/waterfowl honest shows. This cease does NOT embrace or have an effect on egg hatching reveals, pigeon races, or zoos.

To this point this 12 months, Michigan has responded to 12 circumstances of HPAI in non-commercial yard flocks from 9 totally different counties throughout each the Higher and Decrease Peninsulas.

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“MDARD is dedicated to defending the well being of all Michigan’s home birds. Preventative measures are the very best and solely instruments we have now to restrict the unfavorable influence of HPAI. By exercising this crucial precaution, we are able to watch for the hotter, drier climate wanted to kill the virus with out creating circumstances that would worsen the issue,” stated Dr. Wineland. “By taking this step now, it’s hoped that poultry exhibitors can nonetheless take part in honest actions as soon as circumstances have improved.”

Based on the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, these HPAI detections don’t current an instantaneous public well being concern. No human circumstances of those avian influenza viruses have been detected in america. Additionally, no birds or hen merchandise contaminated with HPAI will enter the meals chain. As a reminder, all poultry and eggs ought to be dealt with and cooked correctly.

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Whether or not it’s a number of yard birds or a big industrial flock, following a number of key steps can defend the well being and vitality of Michigan’s home birds:

• Forestall contact between home and wild birds by bringing them indoors or guaranteeing their outside space is absolutely enclosed.

• Wash your fingers earlier than and after dealing with birds in addition to when shifting between totally different coops.

• Disinfecting boots and different gear when shifting between coops.

• Don’t share gear or different provides between coops or different farms.

• Cleansing and disinfecting gear and different provides between makes use of. If it can’t be disinfected, discard it.

• Utilizing nicely or municipal water as consuming water for birds.

• Hold poultry feed safe to make sure there is no such thing as a contact between the feed/feed components and wild birds or rodents.

Poultry house owners and caretakers ought to look ahead to uncommon deaths, a drop in egg manufacturing, a big lower in water consumption, or a rise in sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected, contact MDARD instantly at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).

Extra: Easy methods to defend your flocks as hen flu detected in Metro Detroit