Michigan- Waterfowl hunters: Protect Yourself, Domestic Animals from Bird Flu
Simple health and safety precautions can limit the spread of HPAI
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds late-season goose hunters to protect themselves and domestic animals amid ongoing cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Commonly known as “bird flu,” HPAI is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in birds and mammals. Since December 2024, there has been an uptick in HPAI wild bird mortality, primarily in Canada geese, trumpeter swans and scavenging birds.
“While waterfowl hunters are much more likely to encounter wild birds, it’s important for all Michiganders to understand the health risks that bird flu can pose to wildlife, humans and domestic animals,” said Mitch Marcus, DNR Wildlife Health supervisor. “The virus has been identified in Michigan’s wild birds and mammals, as well as domestic cats, dairy cattle and poultry.”