This current outbreak of avian influenza, which started in March 2022, has been wreaking havoc throughout bird populations, domestic or otherwise. Causing high mortality rates amongst birds, bird flu has also spread to some dairy cattle and domestic pets.

Kimberly Dodd, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University, said the virus tends to evolve over time, so pet owners should limit the exposure of their pets to sick or dead birds in the area.

Dodd also said to contact the Department of Natural Resources if you come across a dead bird, and if you have to remove the bird from the area, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), like masks and gloves, and double bag the bird before throwing it away.

While the risk of avian flu to the general population is low, it's higher for those who directly deal with animals that may be infected, such as farmers or veterinarians. But, according to Dodd, veterinary clinics around the country are being extra precautionary.

GUEST:


Kimberly Dodd, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

This current outbreak of avian influenza, which started in March 2022, has been wreaking havoc throughout bird populations, domestic or otherwise. Causing high mortality rates amongst birds, bird flu has also spread to some dairy cattle and domestic pets.
Kimberly Dodd, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University, said the virus tends to evolve over time, so pet owners should limit the exposure of their pets to sick or dead birds in the area.
Dodd also said to contact the Department of Natural Resources if you come across a dead bird, and if you have to remove the bird from the area, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), like masks and gloves, and double bag the bird before throwing it away.
While the risk of avian flu to the general population is low, it's higher for those who directly deal with animals that may be infected, such as farmers or veterinarians. But, according to Dodd, veterinary clinics around the country are being extra precautionary.
GUEST:
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Kimberly Dodd, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University
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Looking for more conversations from&nbsp;Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work.</a>
Music in this episode by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a>

Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.

To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.
To share a story or submit your questions, head to <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund