2 MI Poultry Farms With Bird Flu Will Be 'Depopulated'

MICHIGAN — Two poultry operations in Ottawa County, where health officials found bird flu, will be "depopulated" to prevent the spread of the virus, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

"The affected premises are currently under quarantine, and the birds will be depopulated to prevent disease spread," officials said. "These efforts also help to ensure the safety and integrity of the commercial food supply."

Officials did not say how many birds would be killed.

The cases in Ottawa County were the fourth time the disease has been detected in the county in December alone. There was also a December case in Jackson County in a backyard poultry flock, officials said.

Since then, the disease has shown up on 30 dairy farms in Michigan, and made six farmworkers sick.

The first human death connected to the bird flu happened recently in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Public Health reported Monday. The patient was over 65 and reported to have underlying medical conditions.

The bird flu is a highly contagious virus that can spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, as well as through infected poultry, equipment and clothing and shoes of caretakers, according to state officials.

The public health risk associated with avian influenza is low, and no animals or products infected with the flu will enter the commercial food chain, according to state officials.

"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," Michigan Veterinarian Nora Wineland said. "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."