ONTONAGON COUNTY – According to a press release from the Michigan Dept of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a backyard flock in Ontonagon County. The report followed an investigation by MDOARD and the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Ontonagon County Emergency Management and 911 Director Mike Kocher said he has no more information on the topic. “They wouldn’t even share with me where in the county or how large a flock. I mean, it was more guarded than any HPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) thing I’ve ever run into,” he said. “I know absolutely nothing other than what (MDARD) sent us. Hopefully maybe I’ll run into something that can give me at least a few more detai

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