November 05, 2025

Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two commercial flocks from Ottawa County. Since the virus was first found in Michigan in 2022, these latest detections bring the total number of HPAI cases in poultry from an Ottawa County flock to 12. Also, for 2025, seven cases of the disease were detected poultry from the county. Adhering to biosecurity measures and using personal protective equipment (PPE) continue to be vital in helping ensure the health of Michigan’s domestic animals and the general public.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.