LANSING – Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds waterfowl hunters to protect themselves and domestic animals amid ongoing cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Commonly known as “bird flu,” HPAI is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in birds and mammals. Wild birds can carry HPAI without appearing sick, according to the DNR.

HPAI has been found in North American waterfowl since 2021. This year, the DNR has detected cases of HPAI primarily in Canada geese, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. A list of detections are posted on the DNR’s HPAI webpage.

According to the DNR, cases can be found at any time of the year, but upticks are expected during spring and fall waterfowl migrations.

“Although it has been seen in M

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