Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Fact Sheet (PDF)

What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)?

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly called "bird flu," is a virus found among various species of birds. HPAI viruses can infect domestic poultry, which includes chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl.

How does HPAI infect humans?

Human infections with avian influenza in general are rare. The low risk of infection is limited to people in direct contact with the saliva, nasal secretions, and feces of infected birds. If you suspect you were exposed to a bird infected with HPAI, please discuss this with your healthcare provider as soon as possible after the exposure.

The management and elimination of HPAI disease includes practices that ensure no poultry products (meat or eggs) from HPAI positive flocks enter the food chain. There is no evidence that humans can acquire HPAI by eating poultry products, and proper cooking (internal temperature 165° F for at least 30 seconds) kills influenza viruses.

There is no vaccine to protect humans from HPAI.

What are the symptoms of HPAI in humans?

The reported signs and symptoms of bird flu virus infections in humans have ranged from no symptoms or mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms to severe symptoms (such as pneumonia, fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuff nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing). Less common signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures.

Protecting Domestic Birds

To protect the health and vitality of Michigan's domestic birds, take these key steps:

• Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors, or ensure their outdoor area is fully enclosed.
• Wash your hands before and after handling birds and when moving between different coops.
• Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.
• Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses. If something cannot be disinfected, discard it.
• Using well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
• Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

Reporting Possible HPAI Cases

Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for unusual deaths, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, or an increase in sick birds. If HPAI is suspected in domestic birds, contact Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).

If anyone notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations, please report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by:

• Using the DNR's Eyes in the Field app. Choose the "Diseased Wildlife" option among the selections for "Observation Forms."
• Calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.