A backyard poultry farm in Monroe County is the latest Michigan flock hit by the highly pathogenic Avian influenza. 

Hundreds of thousands of turkeys at a commercial farm in Ottawa County had to be euthanized at the end of last year because of the bird flu outbreak. 

But the disease isn’t only affecting turkeys and chickens. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources estimates the virus has killed more than 300 wild birds in five counties since Jan. 1, 2025.

Mitch Marcus, a wildlife health supervisor at the DNR, says the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is also affecting waterfowl and birds of prey.

“Think ducks, geese, swans,” he said. “Also scavenging birds and raptors, so think eagles and owls.”

People who found dead birds in the wild alerted the DNR. Marcus says scientists at Michigan State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab test tissue samples for the virus.

“If HPAI is suspect from those results, the samples get sent on to the national vet services laboratory for confirmation,” he said.

The DNR encourages people who find at least six dead birds in one area to report the discovery through its “eyes in the field” tool.

Marcus says it’s best to avoid direct contact with a dead bird in the wild. If someone finds one on their property, he recommends caution.

“If they’re in a situation where they have to get that carcass removed, I would suggest that they utilize some personal protective equipment,” he said.

Read more: Avian flu outbreak forces major layoffs at Michigan’s largest poultry farm

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development also offers advice for pet owners concerned about bird flu.

“A good general precaution is just keep your pets away from any sick or dead wild animals,” Marcus said.

The DNR says HPAI has infected some feral and domestic cats in the U.S., but so far, it has not affected dogs.

The state has detected the virus at large commercial poultry farms in western Michigan as well as backyard flocks in Wayne, Oakland, and Monroe counties.

Some trees in Michigan are more susceptible to ice damage during freezing conditions according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. As ice builds up, branches can crack and break under the added weight, leading to tree damage and potential hazards. Weaker wood trees like Silver Maple, mulberries, and some elms are the most susceptible.

Fluctuating winter weather can cause long term damage to trees. Sunlight can warm the southside of thin-barked tree causing sap to melt and then refreeze when temperatures drop. This freeze-thaw cycle can rupture the bark, leading to internal damage.

Department of Natural Resources Forester Lawrence Law recommends covering the southside of the tree with burlap to provide shade.

“Once the tree has no leaves and it’s winter, it doesn’t fully warm up that side of the tree, so it won’t freeze again. It will just stay dormant within the bark there, and that tree is much more likely to not have frost damage on the bark,” says Law.

Law says tree maintenance can play a crucial role in minimizing ice storm damage.

“So trees that have not been maintained in terms of pruning every 5 to 10 years usually have poor branching, some weak unions amongst branches to the tree— especially those silver Maples that are very prevalent in Southeast Michigan.”

Law also suggests homeowners consult an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist, especially those with a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), to determine tree risk during icy weather.

Law also says if branches fall on power lines, residents should avoid approaching them and report the issue to local utility companies immediately.