Michigan's ban on poultry and waterfowl exhibitions has been lifted.
The announcement came after the state went 30 days without any new positive cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in domesticated poultry.
Dr. Nora Wineland is the State Veterinarian. She says even though Michigan has reached this important benchmark in the fight against bird flu, it does not mean the virus is gone.
"We're still seeing positive detections in wild birds. Just really underscores the fact that it's still out there and continued biosecurity precautions are in order," said Wineland.
Michigan has been fortunate when compared to other states impacted by bird flu and the state will continue to monitor the virus closely. There is only one instance in Michigan when the virus jumped species when three red foxes were found dead in Macomb county back in May after having contracted the virus.
"And in terms of figuring out what to do differently to be prepared," Wineland added. "We need some time to kind of take stock of what we've learned in the various areas and not just in Michigan but, you know, comparing notes across states as well."
Since February, only one commercial poultry facility in Michigan was impacted by bird flu along with 12 backyard flocks, totaling over 35,000 birds.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 40 million birds nationwide have been impacted by this year’s bird flu outbreak, the worst on record in seven years.
