State agriculture officials have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, in a backyard flock in Allegan County.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) says the detection followed an investigation with the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. It marks the first confirmed case of bird flu in poultry from an Allegan County flock since the virus was first detected in Michigan in 2022.

HPAI is highly contagious and can spread through wild birds, direct contact with infected animals, contaminated equipment, or even the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk to public health from bird flu remains low.

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