MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) — Public Health Muskegon County is investigating a potential outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at the Muskegon County Resource and Recovery Center.

PHMC issued a news release Wednesday saying a die-off involving at least a dozen wild birds was discovered on the grounds and early data shows HPAI is likely the cause. Lab tests are expected to confirm the findings in the next couple of weeks.

As a precaution, PHMC has issued a public health advisory for the Resource and Recovery Center’s recreation areas.

“While the risk of HPAI spreading to humans is considered low, residents and visitors should avoid contact with sick of dead birds and practice caution in the area,” PHMC said in a statement.

Michigan has seen several die-offs in wild birds linked to HPAI over the last few years, but infections have dropped significantly over the past year.

Millions of domesticated birds had to be culled to prevent spread within flocks and across the country. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development issued new safety protocols to quell spread in 2024, around the same time it was discovered that the virus was being spread to livestock and humans, as well.

Human infections are extremely rare. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, only 70 cases have been confirmed in the U.S. since the outbreak started in 2022. Of those cases, only one patient died, a person who was over the age of 65 and had underlying health conditions.

Anyone who has had contact with sick or dead birds at the Resource and Recovery Center should watch for any possible symptoms, including a fever, sore throw, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, eye irritation or muscle aches up to 10 days after exposure.

PHMC also encourages all waterfowl hunters to take precautions:

• Process harvests in the field and either bury the remains on site or double-bag and dispose of them in household trash.
• Wear disposable gloves while handling wild birds and wash hands afterward.
• Avoid touching your face while handling wild birds.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and surfaces after use.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling wild birds.
• All waterfowl meat should also be cooked to at least 165 degrees.