ONTONAGON – Last week, a press release from the Michigan Dept of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (Bird flu) was detected in a backyard flock in Ontonagon County. Ontonagon County Emergency Management and 911 Director Mike Kocher received the release and said he has no more information on the topic, as MDARD would not disclose further information. “They wouldn’t even share with me where in the county or how large a flock,” he commented.

Jennifer Holton, MDARD media contact, said MDARD is prohibited by state law from disclosing detailed information, largely to protect the identity of the animal owner. “Public Act 466, which is the animal industry act, specifies under law that we cannot disclose any identifiable informatio

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