avian influenza

“Bird flu” outbreak has spread to poultry and dairy herds across 13 U.S. states since March. Michigan has been especially hard-hit by the virus, leading to restrictions.

This is part one of a three part series on the reasons behind declining bird populations and how they are connected to humans.

The detection of bird flu in three new Michigan dairy herds calls for urgent implementation of biosecurity measures to prevent further spread.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is a contagious virus that can be spread in various ways — though health authorities say the risk to humans is low. Tens of thousands of domestic birds have been euthanized this year in Michigan.

Caspian terns are on Michigan's threatened species list. Avian influenza is killing hundreds and hundreds of them on Lake Michigan islands.

Avian influenza has spread from birds to wild foxes. Three red fox kits in three different locations have died.

A state Agriculture department spokeswoman says 35,000 birds were euthanized as part of the effort to prevent the virus from spreading to other flocks.

Officials say more than 10 times as many birds have died already this year in the U.S. and Canada compared to the last major outbreak.

“Temporarily removing [bird feeders] could be helpful," says a Department of Natural Resources spokesperson, "Especially anyone who has a highly susceptible species like domestic poultry, raptors, water fowl living nearby.”

State officials are directing Michigan poultry producers to follow their bird flu prevention procedures.There have been a rising number of reports of…