Oakland County flock culled after confirmation of bird flu

BY JON KING, MICHIGAN ADVANCE

MICHIGAN—Following confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, more than 100 chickens, geese, ducks and other birds at a farm in Waterford Township were culled.

The birds at Hess-Hathaway Park tested positive last week according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Urban Development (MDARD), which said the discovery was the second case of HPAI in Oakland County since the virus was first detected in Michigan in 2022.

It follows new cases detected at the end of 2024 in a backyard flock in Jackson County and two commercial poultry facilities in Ottawa County.

The Oakland County Health Division said eleven individuals who had direct contact with the animals at Hess-Hathaway Park were being monitored for 10 days, beginning Thursday, and that while it was initially reported that two of the 11 were experiencing flu-like symptoms, the Health Division has since corrected that to say only one individual had symptoms.

However, spokesperson Bill Mullan told the Michigan Advance that individual’s tests came back Monday morning as negative.

Regardless, Oakland County Director of Health and Human Services Leigh-Anne Stafford said that while the risk of contracting bird flu is very low for the general public, it’s still important to be aware of the disease in the community.

“Protect yourself and prevent bird flu by avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds and wash your hands thoroughly if you come into contact with them,” said Stafford.

There have been 66 human cases of bird flu reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and one bird flu death in the United States.

In the wake of this latest bird flu confirmation, Waterford Township Supervisor Anthony Bartolotta said that until further notice, portions of the farm will be closed to protect animals, staff and visitors.

“However, the rest of Hess-Hathaway Park remains open for community enjoyment,” Bartolotta said. “We appreciate the community’s cooperation, patience and understanding as we work to return our farm to regular operations. We look forward to reopening in the Spring of 2025.”

Anyone who has had close contact with domestic fowl or wild birds and has bird flu symptoms is urged to contact their health care provider immediately.

Signs and symptoms of bird flu in people may include:

• Eye redness and irritation (conjunctivitis)
• Mild fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater) or feeling feverish (fever may not always be present)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Less common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

HPAI virus is widespread in wild birds worldwide and detected in domestic poultry and other animals. It can spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

Residents are encouraged to follow the following prevention tips:

• Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and animals.
• Use recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) if contact is necessary.
• Refrain from touching surfaces contaminated by bird droppings or bodily fluids.
• Avoid consuming raw milk or raw milk products.

MDARD says if bird flu is suspected in a domestic flock, their agency should be contacted immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after hours). Additionally, cases of unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations should be reported to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at 517-336-5030.

READ MORE: Health officials battle highly pathogenic avian influenza in two Michigan counties

This coverage was republished from Michigan Advance pursuant to a Creative Commons license.