avian influenza

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…