Michigan Implements Stricter Biosecurity Measures Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
Source: The DairyNews
Michigan has issued new mandates for poultry and dairy cattle facilities to enhance biosecurity protocols in response to a bird flu outbreak.
Following the detection of bird flu in dairy cattle across four counties last month, the state is taking proactive steps. Bird flu cases have been reported in 23 counties in Michigan since the outbreak began in February 2022.
The outbreak involves Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1), a strain responsible for a global outbreak in poultry and wild birds. This current outbreak marks the most severe in United States history, with over 60 million birds either succumbing to the virus or being euthanized due to exposure to infected birds, as reported by the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center.
Among the measures mandated by the state, facilities must appoint a designated biosecurity manager, restrict access points, maintain visitor logs, and implement disinfection procedures for vehicles and personnel. Additionally, new restrictions have been placed on exhibitions involving lactating cattle and poultry.
Tim Boring, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized that Michigan's order ranks among the most stringent nationwide.
"We're confident that these safety measures are both reasonable and promptly implementable on farms. This will enable us to effectively contain the spread of the virus," stated Boring.
Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's Chief Medical Executive, highlighted the rarity of bird flu transmission to humans, with only one confirmed case in the U.S. this year. However, she urged caution, advising against the consumption of raw, unpasteurized milk.
"Pasturization not only eliminates viruses like influenza but also mitigates other harmful pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella, and listeria," Bagdasarian explained.
The outbreak involves Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1), a strain responsible for a global outbreak in poultry and wild birds. This current outbreak marks the most severe in United States history, with over 60 million birds either succumbing to the virus or being euthanized due to exposure to infected birds, as reported by the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center.
Among the measures mandated by the state, facilities must appoint a designated biosecurity manager, restrict access points, maintain visitor logs, and implement disinfection procedures for vehicles and personnel. Additionally, new restrictions have been placed on exhibitions involving lactating cattle and poultry.
Tim Boring, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized that Michigan's order ranks among the most stringent nationwide.
"We're confident that these safety measures are both reasonable and promptly implementable on farms. This will enable us to effectively contain the spread of the virus," stated Boring.
Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's Chief Medical Executive, highlighted the rarity of bird flu transmission to humans, with only one confirmed case in the U.S. this year. However, she urged caution, advising against the consumption of raw, unpasteurized milk.
"Pasturization not only eliminates viruses like influenza but also mitigates other harmful pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella, and listeria," Bagdasarian explained.
