26-02-2025
Monroe County reports its second case of bird flu among a backyard flock
A second case of bird flu has been confirmed in Monroe County, Michigan, involving a small backyard flock, local authorities said Wednesday.
The first such case for Monroe County was detected and reported about two weeks ago; also involving a backyard flock.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus known as HPAI or bird flu can be spread easily among birds, and occasionally from birds to people. It is not a food safety concern. No human illness for bird flu has been detected so far in Monroe County.
"We recommend residents who own or work with birds to take the necessary precautions to keep their backyard flocks and families safe," Jamie Dean, Health Officer/Director at the Monroe County Health Department, said in the press release. "Our focus is protecting the public's health and keeping our community informed."
The virus was first detected among Michigan animals in 2022, and has been the focus of attention both in the state and across the country.
The Michigan agriculture department currently considers eight cases to be active: the two in Monroe County along with two in Ottawa County and one each in Alpena, Wayne, Oakland and Missaukee counties.
Michigan residents who suspect bird flu among domestic animals are asked to contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
Those who suspect bird flu among wild birds are asked to make a report to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at 517-336-5030.
In the meantime, Michigan agriculture officials have started testing milk samples as part of a federal surveillance program for the bird flu virus.
The U.S. has also ordered vaccine doses to target bird flu in case the outbreak spreads more among people.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it is trying to rehire bird flu experts that the agency accidentally fired as part of its efforts to cut costs based on recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
