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Bird flu cases confirmed in Michigan

Posted at 3:45 PM, Jun 08, 2015
and last updated 2015-06-08 15:57:59-04

MICHIGAN — The first cases of avian influenza in Michigan were confirmed in free-range Canada geese found in Macomb County, according to a release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Three goslings tested positive for the virus, according to the DNR.  The bird flu can infect free-range and domestic poultry such as geese, chickens, turkeys and quail.  Geese do not generally pass the virus on, according to a release.

DNR officials say the virus is not a food safety concern and no human infections have been detected in the United States.   Michigan is the 21st state to report a case of bird flu since December.

There have been 226 bird flu detections across the country, which has affected roughly 50 million birds.  Most of those cases were in Iowa and Minnesota, according to release.