Another herd of dairy cows in Michigan has been diagnosed with the H5N1 bird flu.
The herd is located in Ionia County, which had one previous herd diagnosed with the disease this year.
The confirmed spread of the H5N1 bird flu was announced one day after Michigan implemented its HPAI Risk Reduction Response Order, requiring farms to maintain biosecurity perimeters.
Nine states, with a total of 36 herds, in the country have reported cases of H5N1 in dairy cattle, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on May 7. Since March, at least 220 people have been monitored by local and state health departments for the virus. So far, one farm worker from Texas has tested positive with mild symptoms consisting mostly of conjunctivitis.
“As we work together with our federal partners to gain a more complete understanding of this virus and its transmission, it is necessary to re-evaluate, refine, and enhance the measures being taken on Michigan farms to lower the risk of introducing this disease to animals,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland.
As part of the disease response for the dairy herd, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is working with the herd's veterinarian to monitor the health of the animals and conduct trace investigations.
First Published May 9, 2024, 6:01 p.m.
