For Friday, Apri 29, 2022

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1 – Michigan bird owners need to act now to help reduce the spread of HPAI. 

That is, highly pathogenic avian influenza. State officials say the bird flu was detected in a backyard poultry flock in Saginaw County. 

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says this most recent finding emphasizes the ongoing high risk for the disease in the state. It also highlights the need for bird owners to implement every strategy necessary to protect their flocks.

The Saginaw County flock contained about 35 birds of various species who will be “depopulated,” the state says, to prevent disease spread. 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a contagious virus that can spread from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. 

According to federal officials, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern.

More info can be found at Michigan.gov/BirdFlu.

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2 – With the current avian influenza outbreak, also reported in other counties, you may want to remove your bird feeders altogether.

This will help keep the disease from spreading, and also keep wild turkeys at bay.

Wild turkeys? You might see more wild turkeys this spring as they enter breeding season. The Department of Natural Resources says if turkeys in your neighborhood are becoming bothersome, you can try hazing or scaring them, along with removing any wildlife feeders. 

To scare a turkey, establish your dominance by making loud noises and waving your arms. 

Experts say don’t be shy. You want to maintain turkeys’ natural fear of humans. 

Shoo turkey shoo!

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3 – State of the Bay 2022, “the premier conference for Saginaw Bay,” is coming up on Sept. 22 at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center in Bay City. 

Proposal ideas are due May 13. 

This last scheduled conference in 2021 was postponed due to the pandemic.

Previous conferences in 2017 and 2019 were attended by hundreds of people representing the general public, academia, agency, government, private enterprise and more. 

By May 13, organizers with the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network are seeking proposals and abstracts for information and break-out sessions. 

Encouraged themes include youth and community engagement, community development and restoration, and watershed issues and management. 

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– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Friday mornings in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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