ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. (WOOD) — It appears bird flu activity is once again picking up in West Michigan. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says an outbreak of HPAI — highly pathogenic avian influenza — has been detected in a backyard flock in Allegan County.

That announcement comes five days after HPAI was linked to a wild bird die-off in Muskegon County.

This is the first HPAI outbreak in Allegan County since 2022, when the national epidemic started.

“HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers,” MDARD said in a news release. “Adhering to biosecurity measures and using personal protective equipme

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