ATLANTA — Public health officials urged bird owners to protect their flocks after officials confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock in Montmorency County.

The infection is the county’s first since the state first detected bird flu in Michigan in 2022, according to a news release from District Health Department No. 4. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the infection.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the public health risk from bird flu remains low. No birds or bird products associated with bird flu will enter the commercial food chain, the Health Department said, while still urging residents to properly cook all poultry and eggs.

The infected Montmorency County farm is under quarantine, the Health Department said, “and the birds will be depopulated to prevent disease spread.”

The flock contained about 100 birds of various species.

“Unfortunately, the HPAI virus is not impeded by colder temperatures, and it will continue to remain a threat as long as wild birds are continuing to carry the virus,” State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said in a statement. “Keeping domestic birds away from natural bodies of water, not feeding them next to wild birds or in areas where wild birds have been, and preventing them from interacting with wild birds are all essential practices to ensure domestic birds can stay healthy and safe.”

The Health Department says bird owners should take the following steps:

∫ Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing domestic birds indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.

∫ Wash their hands before and after handling birds and 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 or feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for multiple sudden deaths in their flocks, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing or coughing, or an increase in sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected in domestic birds, flock owners should contact the state Agriculture Department immediately at 800-292-3939 during the daytime or 517-373-0440 after hours.

All residents who notice unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations should report to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by:

∫ using the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app, choosing the “Diseased Wildlife” option among the selections for “Observation Forms.”

∫ calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.

Visit Michigan.gov/BirdFlu for more information.