MDARD: Avian flu found in Montcalm Co. dairy herd
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says avian flu has been found in a Montcalm County dairy herd.
The infection has been traced back to a farm in Texas, which recently sent cattle to the Montcalm County farm, MDARD announced Friday.
“On about March 7, some cattle were loaded up from a farm in Texas. They were perfectly healthy at the time, passed veterinary inspection and so they were trucked up here to a farm in Michigan,” State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said in a briefing. “The first animal (in the Montcalm County herd) became ill around March 20.”
Wineland says samples were submitted to an out-of-state laboratory, and the results were received Tuesday. The presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza was then confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories.
According to Tim Slawinski, director of MDARD’s Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health, the commercial milk supply is still safe.
“There are measures in place to prevent this type of thing from being a threat to the supply,” he said.
“No one is at fault in this situation. This is about coming together, though, to protect animal and public health,” MDARD Director Tim Boring said. “It’s been a rapidly evolving situation, and as the situation continues to develop, we will provide critical updates to producers, industry and all Michiganders.”
According to Wineland, the case reflects “a lot of what is already known about this virus.”
“Namely, that it is highly contagious, it continues to be primarily spread by wild birds and contact with infected animals, and mammals can contract the virus,” she said in a statement.
MDARD says avian flu can be spread directly, by infected animals, or indirectly, through exposed items like equipment, feed and clothing. Producers are asked to minimize farm visitors and contact between animals, monitor their animals’ health, isolate sick animals and work with veterinarians.
The department says the public health risk of avian flu remains low: Analysis reveals the virus has not adapted enough to make it more transmissible between mammals.
Those who suspect avian flu in their domestic animals are asked to call MDARD immediately at 800.292.3939 during the day or 517.373.0440 after hours.
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