COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – As the fall migration begins, poultry owners are being reminded by the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency to protect their domestic flocks from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported increased cases of HPAI in backyard poultry flocks, although none have been identified in the agency’s jurisdiction.
Health Officer Rebecca Burns says, “We share this information with our residents to remind them of the steps they can take to reduce the transmission risk for their chickens, ducks, and turkeys. Removing bird feeders and bird baths from your yard during the fall migration period, is a good first step.”
If avian influenza is suspected, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
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