MDARD Urges Animal Owners to Continue Taking Steps to Prevent HPAI as Wild Birds Migrate this Spring

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) urges animal owners to remain vigilant and take preventative measures against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as wild birds complete their spring migration.

“When wild birds move, so does HPAI. Even though there were only three cases of HPAI detected so far this year, the spring migration season brings an increased risk for transmission of the virus,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “This virus thrives in the cool damp conditions that are common as spring arrives...

New $1.9 Million Grant Lets Montana State Team Deepen Understanding of Avian Flu

With the support of a recent federal grant, a team of Montana State University microbiologists will spend the next three years expanding and deepening research into one of the world’s most damaging agricultural viruses, capitalizing on cutting-edge facilities and technologies housed at the university.

Assistant professor Emma Loveday of the College of Agriculture’s Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology is the lead investigator on a $1.9 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study HPAI, or highly pathogenic avian influenza, more commonly known as “bird flu.” Avian influenza viruses are very diverse and originate in wild aquatic birds...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Kent County Commercial Flock

Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock from Kent County. This is the second detection of HPAI in Kent County since the virus was first detected in the state in 2022. MDARD continues to strongly recommend owners remain vigilant and actively protect their animals from HPAI, especially as the wild birds carrying this virus complete their spring migration.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds...

Poultry Shows, Exhibitions in Southern Wisconsin Counties Suspended Due to HPAI

In an effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is suspending all poultry shows, exhibitions, swap meets, and movement of poultry to other events in the following southern Wisconsin counties: Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Kenosha, Lafayette, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha...

Commissioner Declares Georgia is “HPAI-Free” Following Detections in Three Commercial Flocks

Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced that the State of Georgia has officially regained its status as free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry as of March 13th. This follows detections of HPAI at a single commercial poultry operation in Hart County and two in Walker County, marking seven detections of Avian Influenza in commercial poultry or waterfowl operations in the state since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022. This designation allows for the resumption of exports and international trade of Georgia poultry products as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Jefferson County

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County.

DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) animal health officials are working together in a joint incident response. The affected premises has been quarantined to restrict movement of poultry and poultry products. Birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.

The H5N1 HPAI virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021...

HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know

In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic US livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 1,080 dairy operations across 18 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

Since the initial outbreak, cases in dairy cattle have declined significantly, though USDA confirmed two new cases in September 2025. Government agencies continue to emphasize that the national food supply is safe...