US: Michigan is a hot spot for avian flu

Michigan has seen a severe outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in both dairy herds and poultry, with 16 dairy herds and 6,841,990 birds affected across the state, marking the most in the U.S. The outbreak, which started in late 2020, has led to the ejection of affected cows and the cessation of milk production from the affected herds. While the virus does not kill cows, it poses a significant threat to birds, necessitating the culling of millions of poultry. The outbreak has disrupted Michigan's egg production, with Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch experiencing significant losses, resulting in the layoff of about 400 employees. The USDA is offering financial and practical support to affected producers to help mitigate the spread and economic impact of the outbreak. This includes funding for biosecurity measures, milk treatment, and veterinarian costs. Additionally, the USDA is mandating testing for HPAI in dairy cattle before interstate transport to prevent further spread. This situation highlights the need for robust biosecurity practices and emergency preparedness plans among agricultural communities to curb the spread of HPAI.