LANSING, Mich. — While highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has not been detected in Michigan’s domestic animals since March 2026, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) encourages animal owners to remain vigilant and take preventative measures as wild birds start their fall migration.
“Since the current outbreak of HPAI began in February 2022, wild birds have been prominent carriers of this virus, serving as the most common cause for the spread of this disease. As wild birds have started to migrate this year, the virus is already being detected in poultry in Idaho, Minnesota, and South Dakota,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “HPAI still poses a threat to Michigan’s domestic animals, and taking measures to prevent animals from being exposed to wild birds and their germs is the best way to protect against this disease.”
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can spread in various ways from animal to animal, including through wild birds, contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. The disease is also zoonotic, meaning it can affect both animals and people.
According to the U.S...