Bird Flu in Michigan: One man being tested after exposure to avian flu

WATERFORD, Mich. (FOX 2) - One man is being tested after being exposed to Bird Flu from infected chickens in Waterford. 

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed on Thursday, and was detected in a backyard flock. It is the second case of HPAI in Oakland County since the virus was first detected in Michigan back in 2022.

"Mild like upper respiratory symptoms, so congestion and cough," said Chief Christie Clement-Halladay from Oakland County Communicable Disease Unit.

These symptoms are what one of eleven people at Hess Hathaway Farm experienced after some of the chickens on the farm tested positive for avian flu. 

"One of our workers went to work to feed the chickens," said Waterford Township Supervisor Anthony Bartolotta. "There were like three dead ones and three of them that weren’t doing well at all. They bagged them and took them up to Michigan State University for testing."

The tests unfortunately came back positive on Wednesday, leaving the one person isolated, with the rest of the farm employees being watched over by health experts. 

Around 100 chickens and birds were culled, but the farm is still open to the public. The chicken coop is being quarantined for four months. 

"If it is bird flu, then we do more in depth case investigation with that person to really nail down exactly when their symptoms started; where they were when they had symptoms, who else they were around, so then we would advise them on isolation which is what we do for all respiratory illnesses right now," said Clement-Halladay.

What is Bird Flu?

What we know:

HPAI is said to be a highly contagious virus that can be spread from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low.

The state's Department of Agriculture says bio-security measures and personal protective equipment can help protect the health of Michigan's domestic animals and the public.

No birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain. As a reminder, people should properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs.

Whether it's a few backyard birds or a large commercial flock, following a few key steps is fundamental to protect the health and vitality of Michigan's domestic birds:

The state is advising residents about contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.

• Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.
• Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.
• Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.
• Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
• Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, or an increase in sick birds.

What's next:

Bird Flu can be spread through bird droppings to other animals, including humans, with the most common symptom being itchy and red eyes. Meanwhile, officials say the person who was exposed does not have these symptoms. 

Other symptoms can include:

• Sore Throat
• Nausea
• Respiratory Infection

Doctors like Lea Monday, who is the DMC’s infectious disease expert, say monitoring is the top priority.

"Is there a possibility that perhaps H5N1 could have a mutation that would make it easier to spread from person to person and if that happens, what that means you don’t need exposure to a chicken or a cow because you could’ve gotten it from somebody at the grocery store," said Monday.

She says if you experience flu-like symptoms and have barnyard animals at home, it’s important to tell your doctor so they can provide extra testing.