Avian Flu

Avian Influenza A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, can be transmitted from bird to bird and can spread from waterfowl (e.g. ducks, geese, swans) to domesticated poultry when wild birds come into contact with outdoor flocks. Experts from around the world are closely watching the H5N1 situation in Asia and Europe very closely and are preparing for the possibility that the virus may begin to spread more easily from person to person.

Practicing good hand washing can help prevent the spread of influenza. Please refer to proper hand washing techniques fact sheet (PDF) for more information.

Do not touch any dead bird with your bare hands. Be sure to wear gloves or use a bag to pick up and dispose of a dead bird.

** Please note: Only sick or dead waterfowl, gulls or shorebirds will be laboratory tested for avian influenza; and only if they are dead as a result of a die-off (a die-off is defined as six or more birds found sick or dead in a short time period).  If you see a die-off of waterfowl (e.g. gulls or shorebirds), please call the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Disease Lab at 517.336.5030 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or after hours at 800.292.7800. You can also report any sick or dead birds to the Department of Natural Resources through this online report form.

For More Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
US Department of Health and Human Services
Oakland County Health Division (PDF file)
Michigan Emerging Disease Issues
Michigan Department of Community Health

Home  |  Government  |  Services  |  Community  |  Current Events  |  Resources
Contact Us  |  E-mail List  |  Forms  |  Search  |  Site Map  |  Site Use Policy

Charter Township of Bloomfield
4200 Telegraph Road
P.O. Box 489
Bloomfield Township, MI 48303-0489
248.433.7700
All information © 2013 Bloomfield Township, Michigan 

Having trouble with Adobe? Click here.

Click here to report website technical issues.

Need to contact the webmaster?  Click here.