Health department issues warning after bird flu found in Antrim, Otsego counties

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Geological Survey monitor the various strains of the avian influenza flu viruses that can develop. This is a digitally-colorized, negative-stained transmission electron micrograph of the viruses. — The Facilities for Disorder Handle and Avoidance and the U.S. Geological Study observe the numerous strains of the avian influenza flu viruses that can create. This is a digitally-colorized, damaging-stained transmission electron micrograph of the viruses.

Situations of highly pathogenic avian influenza, typically known as hen flu, have been confirmed in Antrim and Otsego counties. No human illness has been related with this detection.

The Wellness Office of Northwest Michigan is sharing this facts to endorse safety measures for people today who possess or perform with birds, together with poultry, or hunt wild birds. The fowl flu or HPAI in birds is not a food items security problem if poultry and eggs are handled and cooked properly.

Adhering to an investigation by the Michigan Office of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the wellness section was notified that HPAI was detected in a hooded merganser in Antrim County and a barred owl in Otsego County. MDARD is working with poultry entrepreneurs to mitigate the distribute and offer outreach and aid.

The U.S. Facilities for Disease Regulate and Prevention (CDC) has determined these HPAI detections do not existing a important, rapid general public overall health problem. Having said that, lately in Colorado, one individual tested optimistic for bird flu right after doing work to depopulate poultry contaminated with HPAI. This highlights the fact that individuals who have job-similar or leisure exposures to infected birds are at larger threat of an infection and should really consider suitable precautions outlined by the CDC.

“It is critical that men and women performing closely with and managing birds, irrespective of whether contaminated or balanced, be cautious and keep an consciousness of the predicament that has been evolving all around the state,” claimed Dr. Josh Meyerson, healthcare director for the Wellness Section of Northwest Michigan, in a statement. “Avian flu can distribute when infected birds are not effectively managed, and poultry homeowners or caretakers have not adopted the vital protocols.”

HPAI is a sort of influenza that is very contagious amid birds and can distribute in many methods from flock to flock, such as by wild birds by means of make contact with with contaminated poultry, by equipment, and on the clothes and sneakers of caretakers.

Poultry homeowners and caretakers are encouraged to observe for indicators of avian influenza in their flocks. This involves strange fatalities, a fall in egg generation, a sizeable decrease in drinking water use, or an boost in sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected, they are urged to speak to MDARD straight away at (800) 292-3939 (daytime) or (517) 373-0440 (soon after hours).

This write-up originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Overview: Overall health division challenges warning just after chook flu discovered in Antrim, Otsego counties