Bird Flu Confirmed In Another Metro Detroit Flock: Officials

MONROE COUNTY, MI — Bird flu has been found in another metro Detroit flock, according to Michigan health officials.

Officials said the affected animals were found in a backyard flock in Monroe County. It's the county's first case of bird flu since the virus was detected in Michigan in 2022, according to officials.

There have been no human illnesses connected to the case and officials have contacted anyone who was possibly exposed to the birds, according to officials.

"We want to share this information to alert residents who own or work with birds, including poultry, to the possibility of infection and to take necessary precautions," said Jamie Dean, Health Officer/Director at the Monroe County Health Department. "Keeping the public informed, safe, and healthy is our top priority."

Last month, officials found the virus in a backyard flock in Wayne County. They were also watching 11 people who came in contact with the virus at an Oakland County flock in December. At least one person had flu-like symptoms and was being tested, officials said.

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.

Officials also reminded people to properly cook poultry products to avoid eating the virus.

Michigan's first 2024 case of bird flu was found earlier this year in Ionia County, roughly 40 miles outside Lansing. Since then, the disease has shown up on more than 30 dairy farms in Michigan, and made six farmworkers sick.