Great Lakes Wire

With the arrival of the spring season, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are urging the public to adopt preventive measures when buying and caring for baby poultry. These precautions play a critical role in maintaining the health of both poultry and people.

Dr. Nora Wineland, State Veterinarian, emphasized the importance of prevention, stating, “Prevention is a key strategy for maintaining flock health. By taking a series of precautions, people can make sure they are not spreading germs to and among their birds. Bird owners can also make sure harmful germs are not being transferred from them to their birds or from their birds or other animals or wildlife to themselves. Healthy poultry makes for healthy people.”

One health risk to consider is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a contagious virus that can spread among flocks through various vectors, including wild birds, infected poultry, equipment, and caretaker clothing. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that, although the public health risk from avian influenza remains low, since 2024, there have been 70 human cases and one death associated with the disease.

Salmonella is another concern, commonly found in poultry droppings and capable of causing illness in humans. In 2024, the CDC reported Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry, affecting people across 48 states. Despite appearances, healthy-looking birds can still carry the bacteria, and preventive measures should be taken.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, advised, “Backyard poultry owners should be aware birds can carry germs impacting both animal and human health, including Salmonella and highly pathogenic avian influenza. While the risk to the public remains low with avian influenza, simple steps like washing your hands after handling birds or after cleaning the coops are essential to reducing the spread of disease and keeping germs out of your household. Taking these precautions protects both animal and family health.”

MDARD and MDHHS recommend several strategies to protect both human and poultry health, including preventing contact between domestic poultry and wild birds, handwashing, disinfecting equipment, and monitoring flocks for unusual health signs. If avian influenza is suspected, contacting MDARD is advised.

Comprehensive information on avian influenza, Salmonella, and preventive measures is available on the websites of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, MDARD, and CDC.