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Backyard flock in Lapeer County infected with avian flu

Pixabay

The second case of bird flu this year has been detected in a Lapeer County flock.

According to a written release from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the flock consisted of gamebirds in a hunting preserve.

The state veterinarian said over the past two weeks, MDARD has seen an increase in the number of calls regarding sick birds.

"The risk for HPAI will remain high as the disease continues to mainly be spread through the migration of wild birds,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland in a press release.

Bird flu rarely infects humans. The state recommends cooking poultry completely through and taking precautions when attending to backyard flocks.

Ben Jodway is an intern, serving as a reporter for WCMU Public Media and the Pioneer in Big Rapids. He has covered Indigenous communities and political extremism in Michigan.