Avian Influenza is Killing Michigan Birds, What Do You Do if You Find One?

Avian Influenza also known as bird flu has been killing farmers' chickens and has since spread to wild birds, ducks, and geese, but what do you do if you find a dead one?

Avian Influenza - Bird Flu

Anyone who buys eggs or chicken regularly knows the prices have been rising at about the same pace as the spreading of Avian Influenza or bird flu. I bought 2 dozen eggs last night at Aldi's at double the normal price.

👇BELOW: Your Guide To Bird Flu👇

Last year the Michigan Department of Natural Resources asked the public if they found any dead birds to make a report. Since then bird flu has moved into Michigan herds of cattle and two Michiganders contracted avian influenza and the problem continues to worsen.

Read More: More Cattle and Now a Michigan Farmer Test Positive for Bird Flu

What Do You Do If You Find Dead Birds on Your Property?

The DNR has been testing dead birds all over Michigan and has determined the bird flu problem is statewide. We are only 6 weeks into the new year and 300 dead birds have been found in five counties alone.

According to the DNR, 77 dead geese and one mallard duck were found in the Allegan State Gamer Area in Allegan County. 80 dead geese were found along the Shiawassee River near Owosso and there are more cases like these in Michigan.

If you find dead birds on your property or anywhere else the DNR says to leave them alone. Do not touch a dead bird with your bare hands like the person in the photo above did. If the dead bird is in a spot no kids or pets can get to it, allow it to decompose so the virus can die.

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If you have to move a dead bird wear gloves or use a shovel, and double bag the carcasses and dispose of them through normal trash pickup. Always use protective equipment, a face mask, and rubber gloves, then disinfect any clothes you wear when moving the carcass. Throw away protective equipment and wash your hands thoroughly.