Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, has resurfaced in North America, with new outbreaks confirmed in Michigan and British Columbia. Authorities in both regions are ramping up containment efforts as the virus continues to threaten poultry industries.
- On November 10, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed the presence of HPAI in Allegan County, Michigan.
- The affected flock consisted of approximately 35,600 commercial meat turkeys, marking the sixth commercial outbreak in Michigan this year.
- While previous cases in 2025 were concentrated in Ottawa County, this is the first time Allegan County has reported HPAI in commercial poultry during the ongoing 2022–2025 outbreak.
- The only prior detection in Allegan involved a backyard flock, underscoring the virus’s ability to spread across different poultry operations.
Further northwest, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed HPAI in a commercial poultry flock in Abbotsford, British Columbia, also on November 10. Details about the flock’s size or type have not been disclosed, but this case represents the 33rd commercial poultry outbreak in British Columbia in 2025. The province has faced repeated challenges with avian flu, including a dramatic incident last December when a flock of about 400 ostriches was culled following infection. The ostrich case even reached Canada’s Supreme Court, sparking debate over compensation and disease management policies for non-traditional livestock producers.
- Experts attribute the persistence of HPAI to migratory waterfowl, which act as natural carriers of the virus.
- Both U.S. and Canadian authorities emphasize strict biosecurity measures as the primary defense.
- These include isolating domestic birds from wild species, sanitizing equipment, and using personal protective gear.
- Farmers are urged to monitor flocks for symptoms such as sudden deaths or drops in egg production and report suspected cases immediately.
Despite the economic impact on poultry producers, health officials maintain that the risk to humans remains low, provided poultry and eggs are handled and cooked properly. However, the outbreaks highlight ongoing vulnerabilities in the poultry sector and the need for coordinated responses across borders.
As winter migration continues, both Michigan and British Columbia brace for potential new cases. Authorities stress vigilance and rapid reporting to contain the virus and protect the integrity of North America’s poultry supply chain.
Sources: Available upon request