Microbiologist Anne Vandenburg-Carroll tests poultry samples collected from a farm located in a control area for the presence of avian influenza, or bird flu, at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on March 24, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. The presence of avian influenza was recently discovered on a commercial egg farm near Palmyra, Wisconsin, forcing the farm to dispose of nearly 3 million chickens. To control the spread of the virus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has mandated testing of all poultry in a control area established around the infected farm before it can be sold or transported.

As the highly pathogenic avian influenza spreads rapidly across the state, Michigan agriculture and wildlife officials are asking for help stopping the spread.

Avian influenza is spread in a variety of ways from bird to bird and flock to flock, impacting both wildfowl and poultry, along with domesticated birds. The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development website states symptoms of birds with avian influenza, sometimes abbreviated HPAI, can include:

There have been scattered reports across social media of people finding dead birds. Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking people to avoid dead birds and instead report them on the DNR's website at https://tinyurl.com/2p89m225 or by calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030. The reporting asks for general reporting information such as the reporter's name and contact information, where the bird or mammal was located, along with other information such as the health of the animal, and how many are involved.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is rare for avian influenza to spread to humans. There have been sporadic reports in Asia, Europe and the Middle East since 2003

"Most human infections with avian influenza viruses, including HPAI Asian H5N1 viruses, have occurred after prolonged and close contact with infected birds," the CDC report reads. "Rare human-to-human spread with this virus has occurred, but it has not been sustained and no community spread of this virus has ever been identified."

The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture reports show seven different reports of avian influenza outbreaks in commercial and backyard flocks across Michigan since February, which reportedly impacted approximately 600 birds. However, there have been 11 additional reports of wildfowl with avian flu in the state. Across the country, there have been more than 28.5 million fowl in commercial or backyard settings identified for having avian influenza since February.

The most recent confirmed reporting in Michigan was earlier this week when state Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland and MDARD confirmed some domestic parrots had died from the virus in Washtenaw County. Wineland said that although it is difficult for pet birds to catch avian influenza, steps should still be taken to protect all birds.

A few steps MDARD recommended were:

The DNR is encouraging homeowners to temporarily remove bird feeders to reduce the spread of the bird flu.

"One easy way the public can help reduce the potential spread of HPAI is to remove outdoor bird feeders," a DNR press release read. "Though there isn’t yet any widespread recommendation from state agencies to do so, temporary removal of these food sources could be helpful, especially for anyone who has highly susceptible species — domestic poultry, raptors or waterfowl — living nearby. Similarly, removal could be a wise choice for those who observe high-risk species like blue jays, crows or ravens hanging around backyard bird feeders. This temporary removal of bird feeders and baths may only last for the next couple months, or until the rate of HPAI spread in wild and domestic birds decreases."

If people choose to continue using their bird feeders, please keep this guidance in mind:

For more information on the bird flu visit www.michigan.gov/birdflu.

Scott Nunn is the audience development editor for the Hearst Midwest Community.

Scott previously was the assistant editor at the Huron Daily Tribune.

Prior to becoming a journalist, he was in graphic design, advertising sales, wholesale lumber and was even a pizza and short order cook. While he attended college for a couple stints, Scott attributes most of the skills he has acquired to his thirst for knowledge, excellent family and a history of wonderful mentors.

Scott is a self-described lover of food, YouTube junkie, proud handyman and a bit of a class clown.

Scott and his wife Shannon have four kids, three dogs and four cats.