LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In the face of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has swiftly responded with a comprehensive “scientifically based extraordinary” emergency order aimed at safeguarding the state’s dairy and commercial poultry operations.

Order includes both requirements and recommendations.

The document coming from MDARD Director Tim Boring includes both “requirements” and “recommendations” for animal health officials, veterinarians and producers. It is dated May 3rd.

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With the directive titled “HPAI Risk Reduction Response Order” set to take effect on May 8, 2024, MDARD is introducing stringent biosecurity measures to mitigate the spread of the avian flu, ensuring the safety of Michigan’s livestock and the integrity of its agricultural industry.

Avian flu a threat to animals, humans and the Michigan economy says MDARD.

According to MDARD, the emergence of HPAI poses a significant threat not only to domestic poultry but also to the wider ecosystem, human health, and the economy. In Michigan, the detection of HPAI in dairy cattle on March 29, 2024, prompted urgent action from MDARD. Subsequent cases in multiple counties led to the need for proactive measures from the state to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.

In the MDARD directive, it says, “The genetic and epidemiological data indicate spillover of the virus from wild birds to dairy cows and some instances of spread from dairy to dairy and from dairy premises to poultry premises. Based on analysis at the time of this guidance, the whole genome sequence for virus found in positive herds in nine states and on two recent commercial poultry premises in two different states indicates it is the same strain affecting both dairy cattle and poultry.”

They go on to say, “While it is still unclear exactly how the virus is spreading, the virus is shed in milk at high concentrations; therefore, anything that comes in contact with unpasteurized raw milk, spilled milk, etc., may spread the virus including other animals, vehicles, and other objects or materials. Therefore, both dairy and poultry producers should redouble biosecurity efforts and be vigilant about monitoring for and controlling disease in their herds and flocks.”

New rules in place.

Central to MDARD’s emergency order are enhanced biosecurity requirements for commercial dairy and poultry operations. The order mandates the designation of a biosecurity manager responsible for overseeing the implementation of biosecurity protocols.

Additionally, under the new guidelines, all dairy farms and commercial poultry operations in Michigan are required to develop and implement biosecurity plans, encompassing key measures such as designated access points called LOS (line of separation), thorough cleaning and disinfection procedures for vehicles and individuals, and the maintenance of detailed logbooks tracking all individuals and vehicles entering the premises. Furthermore, the emergency order imposes restrictions on the exhibition of livestock and poultry.

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MDARD says these measures are crucial for minimizing the risk of HPAI transmission and ensuring the traceability of potential outbreaks.

State will continue to monitor outbreaks and work with others to mitigate impact.

MDARD is working with state and federal partners, using genetic and epidemiological data to understand how the virus spreads to figure out the best ways to control it – and point out that using evidence-based recommendations adds their commitment to mitigating the impact of HPAI on Michigan’s agricultural sector.

In addition to regulatory measures, MDARD is also prioritizing public awareness and education. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s top doctor, has emphasized the importance of pasteurized milk consumption and adherence to good food safety practices, particularly when in contact with animals. They contend that these preventive measures, coupled with MDARD’s biosecurity protocols, will play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and mitigating the risk of zoonotic transmission.

However, there is disagreement among some regarding the state’s emergency measures, particularly concerning the abruptness of their announcement just days before their implementation is to be mandated.

Pushback against the order emerges.

Michigan Rep. Cavitt (R-Cheboygan) is criticizing Michigan’s Agriculture Department for its stringent mandates aimed at controlling avian flu, stating that they could lead to the closure of dairy farms long before the avian flu would do so.

Because the mandates require extensive sanitization of vehicles entering dairy farms, Cavitt says in a statement, “These mandates represent a significant burden on our dairy farmers, who play a vital role in Northeast Michigan’s economy. While we must address the risk of avian flu, we cannot afford to overlook the unintended consequences these measures may have on dairy production and farmers’ livelihoods.”

Cavitt goes on to say, “Dairy farmers are already working for 12-plus hours a day. Now, the state is expecting them to become experts in biosecurity too. No one is questioning the danger of the avian flu. But these mandates are yet another example of the state imposing extreme and confusing requirements with little to no notice. Rural farmers already have a hard time accessing resources. Instead of helping, MDARD is now making things even more difficult. We’re only weeks away before we start seeing farmers get hit with crippling fines and punishments for not keeping track of which grandkids showed up on which day.”