Mid-Michigan District Health Department reminds livestock workers of symptoms linked to ‘bird flu’

Daylyn Huff
·1 min read

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– The Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) warns livestock employees about noticing the signs and symptoms of avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

The MMDHS says in a press release, that livestock employees who work particularly with poultry and dairy herds should be most aware to protect their animals.

The largest fresh egg producer in the US has found bird flu in chickens at a Texas plant

Bird flu is a type of flu virus that naturally infects wild birds and can infect
domestic poultry and other birds and animals.

In Michigan, the first case of the bird flu was detected on a commercial chicken farm in Ionia County.

Bird flu detected in Ionia County flock

Liz Braddock, MMDHD Health Officer said in a press release, “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a series of public health recommendations considering the recent avian flu activity.”

“Although the risk of transmission between animals and humans is low, those working
around potentially sick animals may be at a higher risk and should use the proper personal
protective equipment, as well as performing thorough hand washing after contact with any
animals or animal products.”

Here are some signs and symptoms of bird flu in people:

  • Fever (temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) or feeling feverish or chills

  • Cough

  • Sore throat

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Headaches

  • Fatigue

  • Eye redness (conjunctivitis)

  • Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath

  • Diarrhea

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Seizures

For more information about symptoms and monitoring, visit the CDC website.

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