Michigan poultry producers on high alert as avian influenza spreads through US

Already in Europe, Africa, Asia and Canada, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is lethal to all poultry that contract it, according to health officials. A similar flu outbreak in 2015 killed nearly 50 million chickens and turkeys, and infected 12 wild Canada geese and three goslings in Michigan — the state’s only such instance of HPAI detection. 

Migratory flyways are what concerns Ernie Birchmeier, senior industry relations specialist for Michigan Farm Bureau.

“Avian influenza doesn’t care if you are a small poultry farm or a big one; it’s an equal-opportunity virus,” said Birchmeier, adding that as birds migrate back north, they can be a vector for disease and pose a serious risk. 

“Indiana is in the migratory pathway, and this is especially concerning as birds fly north,” he said. “Our poultry producers are on high alert and are taking extra precautionary measures to their already-strict biosecurity measures. It is imperative the poultry industry, including large farm and back-yard operators, keep a close eye on the health of their flock.” 

Ionia-based Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, the state’s largest egg operation, is already taking steps to protect their flock, entering a code orange in terms of biosecurity. This means no visitors, sales representatives, tours, and employees and trucks entering poultry facilities must follow strict guidelines.  

“All the trucks have to be cleaned — undercarriage, tires, and we mark where the truck comes from and where it is going,” said Mohamed Mousa, vice president of production at Herbruck's Poultry. “If there are any cases in Michigan, we go to code red, which means a lot of restrictions and no movement at all between any farm or equipment; it’s complete isolation, even for management.”

The Kentucky incident Feb. 11 resulted in the killing of 30,000 turkeys to contain the virus spread.  

To prevent a similar scenario, trade organizations like the Michigan Allied Poultry Industries have a plan in place if an outbreak occurs. The non-profit said there are no current HPAI cases in Michigan. 

Some of the signs of poultry disease infection include sudden death without clinical signs, lack of energy or appetite, and decreased egg production. 

Learn more about avian diseases here.