At this time, the public health risk associated with HPAI remains low

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Dr. Tim Boring today signed a "Determination of Extraordinary Emergency, "HPAI Risk Reduction Response Order," to further protect Michigan's poultry and livestock industries from the ongoing threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The order goes into effect on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, and applies to all dairy and commercial poultry facilities statewide.

"This national HPAI outbreak must be a top priority for all who work in agriculture. At MDARD, we're taking aggressive action to protect both animal and public health to help reduce the further spread of HPAI in Michigan," said Director Boring. "This outbreak has highlighted areas within our industry that require immediate attention. Producers must immediately implement robust biosecurity practices and create emergency preparedness plans and this order starts to address these on-farm risks. Implementing these measures must be the highest priority for every farm and agriculture worker. Working together, we can combat HPAI and reduce the long-term impacts on our dynamic food and agriculture industry."

The emergency order requires the following measures to be taken:

• All Michigan dairy farms, as well as poultry operations considered commercial by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) must develop and implement biosecurity practices that include:

"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, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "By limiting the opportunities for vulnerable species to be exposed to the virus, we can better protect animal health throughout the state."

"Recent testing by the Food and Drug Administration has shown that consuming pasteurized dairy remains safe," saidElizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director. "We know pasteurization is effective in inactivating HPAI in milk, and milk sold in stores in Michigan is pasteurized. It's important to make sure the milk products you eat and drink are pasteurized. Overall, the risk HPAI poses to the public remains low."

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the commercial milk supply remains safe due to federal animal health requirements and pasteurization. Federal experts continue to stress there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses any increased risk to consumer health.

"The poultry and dairy industry are two of the most important agriculture industries across Michigan and biosecurity procedures to mitigate the spread of this virus are vital," said Dr. Nancy Barr, Executive Director of the Michigan Allied Poultry Industries. "The actions taken today by MDARD reflect the seriousness of the situation facing our industries. MDARD and MAPI will continue to work together to support poultry producers and dairy farmers."

"The Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions is grateful for MDARD's leadership and guidance surrounding the ongoing HPAI outbreak. Michigan's fairs showcase the best of Michigan agriculture, but we first and foremost want the public and animals to be safe. By taking these actions today, it's hoped that poultry exhibitors can still participate in fair activities once circumstances have improved," said John Schut, Executive Director of Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions.

"Significant collaborative work is currently underway in Michigan and across the nation to better understand how the virus is spreading within and across herds. MDARD, the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and epidemiologists from the College of Veterinary Medicine are partnering to gather information that will guide the local and national response to the ongoing outbreak. As these studies advance, it is vital to implement stringent biosecurity measures to mitigate virus transmission within our state," said Douglas Freeman, Interim Dean, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

In the coming days, additional details and guidelines will be made available on Michigan.gov/BirdFlu. MDARD continues diligently working with local, state, and federal partners to quickly respond to reports of HPAI, mitigate the spread of the disease, and provide outreach.

To view order, click the link below:

HPAI-Risk-Reduction-Response-Order.pdf (michigan.gov)

Additional resources can also be found at Michigan.gov/BirdFlu.

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