Bird Flu Cases Rising Across MI: What Waterfowl Hunters Need To Know

Michigan wildlife officials are urging waterfowl hunters to protect themselves amid increasing outbreaks of HPAI - bird flu across the state.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has found more detections in 2025 than there were in 2024, with 130 wild birds having tested positive for the virus. Most of the cases were found in Canada geese, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks.

Moreover, the disease has been found in every Michigan watershed, leading officials to believe that the virus has traveled across the state.

"Make sure to take appropriate precautions when field dressing wild birds. In order to kill the virus, use a food thermometer to ensure that meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit," said Dr. Scott Larsen, DNR wildlife veterinarian. "It’s also important to properly clean and disinfect gear and equipment before coming into contact with domestic birds."

HPAI - bird flu, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in wild birds and mammals. Infections can occur at any time of the year, but upticks are expected during spring and fall waterfowl migrations. Officials said wild birds can carry HPAI without appearing sick.

The risk of HPAI infecting people is low, but the virus can spread through direct contact with infected animals or material. Wildlife officials suggest people should follow these guidelines to avoid contracting or spreading bird flu:

• Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
• Process wild birds in the field. Remains from processed birds should be buried on-site or double-bagged and disposed of with household trash.
• Wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling and cleaning wild birds, and wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleanser, even if hands are not visibly soiled.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth when handling wild birds.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling or cleaning wild birds.
• Cook all meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any viruses.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all knives, equipment and surfaces that come into contact with wild birds.

Wildlife officials asked anyone who sees a die-off of six or more wild birds to report it through the DNR Eyes in the Field online tool or a local DNR field office.