Is Bird Flu a Problem in Michigan’s Wild Turkey Population?

Michigan's turkey hunting season begins on Saturday, April 19. Should hunters be concerned with wild turkeys having bird flu?

Bird Flu

Bird flu has been a problem in Michigan since 2022. It has ravaged chicken farms and continues to spread among Michigan's wild birds and mammals.

👇BELOW: Your Guide To Bird Flu👇

I live in Newaygo County and have a small farm with a little property, and for two years, the number of small wild birds being found dead has increased significantly. There is no question that bird flu is in my area, especially since most birds migrate.

It's not just birds catching the virus; several dairy farms in Michigan have detected bird flu in cattle. Since cattle can catch bird flu, I wonder if deer, rabbits, squirrels, and turkeys can too?

Read More: West Michigan Sees First Outbreak of Measles Cases

Is Bird Flu a Problem in Michigan's Wild Turkey Population?

I've been seeing a lot of healthy-looking turkeys and will be in the woods hunting them this weekend. My son asked me the other day if wild turkeys can get bird flu, and here is what I found out.

Bird flu is mainly spread through waterfowl because they gather in large numbers. Other bird predators will eat the waterfowl carcasses that die from bird flu and then catch it themselves.

According to FOX 17, the Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Pathologist Julie Melotti said, "Since 2022, any turkey that we get in will test for HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza), and they've all been negative so far."

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This doesn't mean wild turkeys cannot catch bird flu, since they are not immune to it, but typically don't catch the virus. If you suspect a wild turkey you harvest may have bird flu, don't touch it with your unprotected hands, bag it up, and report it to your local DNR office.