Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Three Michigan Dairy Herd

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy herds located in Clinton, Gratiot, and Ionia counties. This detection was made through the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, with confirmatory testing underway at the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories.

Biosecurity remains the primary defense against HPAI. On May 1, 2024, MDARD Director Tim Boring issued an emergency order mandating enhanced biosecurity measures for all Michigan dairy operations. These measures, effective May 8, 2024, aim to minimize the risk of HPAI transmission on farms. Additional guidelines were provided on May 3, 2024, to assist producers in implementing these protocols.

Key steps for protecting dairy cattle include:

• Delay or halt the movement of animals from herds with unknown or suspect health status.
• Isolate new or returning animals.
• Monitor animal health daily and consult a veterinarian for concerns or to develop a secure food supply plan.
• Use dedicated equipment for sick animals and tend to healthy animals first.
• Clean and disinfect clothing, footwear, and equipment used around sick animals with an EPA-registered disinfectant.
• Avoid sharing tools, equipment, and trailers with other farms.
• Disinfect trailers used for transporting animals.
• Limit non-essential farm visitors.
• Prevent cross-visitations between poultry and dairy farms.
• Provide or require clean clothing and footwear for farm entrants.
• Install hand-washing stations and supply gloves for farm workers.

MDARD is collaborating with veterinarians and local, state, and federal partners to monitor herd health, conduct trace investigations, and respond swiftly to HPAI reports to control the spread and provide necessary outreach. Additional resources can on HPAI also be found at Michigan.gov/BirdFlu. For more information on the detections of HPAI in cattle, please visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website.