Avian Influenza- 2024

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. 

Current Status in Michigan's Domestic Animals

In April 2024, the disease has also been detected in dairy cattle from Ionia, Isabella, Montcalm and Ottawa Counties.

The following hotlines are available for reporting suspected HPAI infections:

DOMESTIC ANIMALS:

• 800-292-3939 (daytime)
• 517-373-0440 or 412-847-2255 (after-hours)

Resources:

• Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD)
• How to Recognize a Sick Bird - Poster (PDF)
• List of Key Resources for HPAI – Infographic (PDF)
• CDC: Avian Influenza Information

DNR reports Benzie County's first TB-positive deer- 2/1/2024

A 4-year-old doe harvested in Benzie County, Michigan, during the 2023 deer hunting season has tested positive for bovine tuberculosis. This is the first bTB-positive wild deer from that county.

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest diseases known to man, and it is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium bovis. While the disease is found primarily in cattle, it has also been found in cervids (deer and elk), bison, goats, and carnivores such as coyotes. In fact, any warm-blooded animal, including humans, can be affected by the disease.

Bovine tuberculosis is an infectious, zoonotic disease affecting both humans and animals. The disease is primarily spread through respiratory secretions when infected animals expose uninfected animals through nose-to-nose contact or contaminate shared feed and water.

• News Release from Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• Bovine tuberculosis (TB)- Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• Bovine tuberculosis (TB)- Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development

Air Quality and Recommendations- 8/18/2023

We continue to suffer with air quality issues related to Canadian wildfires. Know that air quality can fluctuate pretty quickly.

Recommendations is that people be aware of the potential for unhealthy air for the next several days or weeks until the wildfire situation improves. They can check for wildfire smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov or resources such as https://map.purpleair.com/

As of 8am on 8/18/2023- click map to see updated map

From the MDHHS news release:

For people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens it is suggested to take the following steps to reduce exposure:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. 
• Keep outdoor activities short. 
• Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them. 

For everyone else:

• Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard. 
• Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors. 
• Be active outdoors when air quality is better. 

As conditions can change rapidly and be different from place to place based on winds and geography, it would be difficult to make a blanket recommendation other than to assess the situation at each location as best as possible. If it smells smoky, the AQI is likely high.

Diesel Fuel Leak- 8/3/2023

As of 8/3/2023 8am, we have been notified of a diesel fuel leak from a freighter off Manistee County. 

The US Coast Guard, EGLE, and local health departments are coordinating efforts to contain the spill and inform the public. The US Coast Guard received the report at 2:56pm on Wednesday August 1st, 2023, of fuel in the water. 

Depending on wind conditions, there is a chance Benzie County beaches could be affected by the fuel leak. We advise residents to not come in contact with the oil, shower immediately if you come in contact with the oil and report any oil slicks.  

According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), Oil spilled into the water, having been pushed by winds and currents, often reaches the shore. Oil may strand at the high tide line, leaving black lines or globs of oil on the beach as the tide recedes. Thick layers of oil may coat rocks, beaches, or plants. 

We will release more information when it comes available. For more information on oil spills or how to report oil, click here (Website) 

Report a Michigan environmental Emergencies to the 24-hour Pollution Emergency Alert System (PEAS) Hotline at 800-292-4706. 

Reporting a hazardous substance release or oil spill takes only a few minutes. To report a release or spill, contact the federal government's centralized reporting center, the National Response Center (NRC), at 1-800-424-8802.   

Resources: 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website