Ticks may slow down during winter, but bird flu doesn’t. A poultry farm in Kent County has been affected by a bird flu outbreak.
How Winter Impacts Bird Flu
Ticks and mosquitoes never truly disappear, but during winter months many die off while others enter a dormant, hibernation-like state. The situation with bird flu is the exact opposite.
Cold weather creates ideal conditions for the avian influenza virus to survive and spread. Lower temperatures help the virus remain stable in the environment for longer periods, often leading to a surge in poultry outbreaks during the winter months.
Cold, moist conditions allow the virus to linger in water, manure, and on surfaces, increasing the chances of transmission during the winter months. The colder weather can also stress birds, weakening their immune systems and making them more vulnerable to infection.
Bird flu typically peaks in autumn, winter, and early spring.
Bird Flu Confirmed at Commercial Chicken Farm in Kent County
According to WOOD-TV, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced that a poultry farm in Kent County has experienced an outbreak of bird flu.
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The Kent County bird flu case is the first in the area, but it is the second outbreak reported in Michigan in 2026…