Michigan officials monitor bird flu outbreak in other states

Michigan agriculture officials are monitoring a bird flu outbreak that’s affected other Midwest states and say they’re ready to respond if needed.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokeswoman Jennifer Holton says in an email that the state don’t have any cases at this time. She says the department is “preparing to respond quickly, effectively and efficiently” if bird flu is found in the state.

Holton says the department also is working with poultry producers and others involved in agriculture to step up their biosecurity practices. WILX-TV reports many poultry farms are closing their facilities to anyone who doesn’t work there and isolating birds that recently arrive.

U.S. Department of Agriculture is working on a potential vaccine in response to the outbreak of the deadly strain of bird flu.  (AP)