HPAI
What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza?
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.
The virus also infects a wide variety of other birds, including wild migratory waterfowl. HPAI has even been detected in various species of mammals—presumably after the animals come into contact with infected wild birds. For more information on current detections in domestic poultry, livestock, and wildlife across the U.S., please visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s webpage.
What do I do if I find a dead or dying bird?
HPAI is NOT evidenced by one dead bird or one coughing/sneezing bird while the remainder of the flock is acting normally. Instead, for small flock owners, look for two or more dead birds within a 24-hour period and symptoms in the rest of the flock (not eating, acting lethargic or sleepy with eyes closed, tucking their head close to their body, and appearing to be puffed up).
Dead birds can be safely disposed of by either burying them or placing them in the garbage using a shovel, gloved hand or by turning a plastic bag inside out, grasping the bird and then turning the bag back right side out with the bird inside. Handle every dead wild bird as if it carries disease.
To report a dead bird, visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development website.
What to do to protect yourself
- As a general precaution, whenever possible people should avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, and other animals and observe them only from a distance.
- If you must have direct/close contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Wild birds can be infected with avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses even if they don't look sick.
- Do not touch surfaces or materials (e.g., animal litter or bedding material) contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian bird influenza A virus infection.
- Do not touch or consume raw milk or raw milk products, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A virus infection. It is safe to eat meat/eggs that have been properly cooked.
[Page last updated: 2/19/2025]