MSU Extension Avian Influenza

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a virus that infects wild and domestic birds. Recently, it has also been found in other mammals, most commonly dairy cattle. On May 1, 2024, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) issued an executive order to prevent the further spread of HPAI in the state. As part of the order, known as HRRRO, exhibition of the following is prohibited:

• All lactating dairy cattle, and those in the last two months of pregnancy, until such a time that the state goes 60 days without a new detection of HPAI in dairy cattle.
• Any dairy animal of any age from a premises where HPAI was detected, until further notice.
• All poultry and waterfowl exhibitions in Michigan until such a time that the state goes 30 days without a new detection of HPAI in domestic poultry.

This order may affect county and regional fairs, as well as other local events, that fall within the specified 30 day poultry and 60 day dairy cattle window. In the event these animals cannot be exhibited at fairs, Michigan State University Extension has identified opportunities for 4-H’ers in these project areas to showcase their work. County 4-H program coordinators will be able to determine if they would like to offer these approved alternative classes or any additional contests to their 4-H participants, to supplement the learning experience at the fair. For the current listing of HPAI detections in Michigan, visit the MDARD avian influenza website. 

On June 26, MDARD issued an amendment to the executive order that stated:

• Any cattle not lactating nor in the final two months of pregnancy originating from any licensed dairy farm premises intended to be exhibited at Michigan fairs, exhibitions, or expositions must demonstrate to fair, exhibition, or exposition officials upon arrival at the grounds a negative HPAI A(H5N1) test that has been conducted in the last seven (7) days.  Permittable tests include: 

• Nasal swab tests on the individual animal being exhibited, or 
• Milk bulk tank sample test from the dairy farm. 

• Fairs, exhibitions, or expositions must keep a list of all exhibitors of livestock including poultry with contact information including home addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, and must provide it to the department upon request. 
  
  
• Fairs, exhibitions, or expositions with livestock including poultry must have signage educating the public about biosecurity at the entry and exit of every barn housing livestock including poultry for exhibition, including handwashing, and maintaining a safe distance from animals. 

These updates are effective as of July 1.

In addition, under the initial HRRRO, Michigan had to go 30 consecutive days without a new HPAI A (H5N1) detection in poultry before showing poultry at fairs could be reinstated. On June 8, 2024, the state reached 30 consecutive days without a new HPAI A(H5N1) detection, which lifted the restrictions on poultry exhibitions outlined. The prohibition on all lactating cows and animals from farms impacted by HPAI A(H5n1) remains in effect, as outlined in the original HRRRO.   

According to the CDC, the public health risk associated with HPAI remains low and the commercial food supply remains safe due to both federal animal health requirements and pasteurization. Properly prepared and cooked poultry products remain safe to consume, as does pasteurized milk.