Dead Wild Birds Found in Southern Michigan Linked to Avian Influenza Outbreak

An outbreak of avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu, has been linked to many wild bird deaths in southern Michigan, including in and around Ann Arbor. Julie Melotti, a wildlife pathologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said the situation with wild death births reported this winter has been "bad."

Melotti said the DNR cannot collect and test every dead wild bird reported to the department. If some wild birds test positive in certain areas, it most likely means that others found within the local area are "probably" infected.

That was the case for Betsy Sallade-Farina, who said she was shocked to find nine dead mallard ducks, Canada geese, and swans on Little Whitewood Lake in Hamburg Township north of Dexter on Thursday, Feb. 6. The next day, she reported 16 more dead wild birds on the lake.

“I've been on the chain of lakes all my life, and I've never seen so many birds dead like that,” Sallade-Farina told MLive.

Melotti said she worries about wild birds converging on open water sources this winter and spreading the virus among them. State wildlife officials estimate that between 60 and 70 wild birds have died from bird flu in Washtenaw County in January 2025. Additionally, reports of dead wild birds from Allegan, Eaton, Ingham, and Shiawassee counties are coming into the department. Officials note the dead wild birds have mainly been Canada geese, swans, snowy owls, and other bird species.

Avian influenza can impact backyard poultry and cattle in addition to wild birds. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has tracked the virus to poultry in Alpena, Jackson, Oakland, and Wayne counties and a dairy cattle herd in Missaukee County.

Members of the public can report dead, dying, or sick wildlife to Michigan DNR's wildlife division by completing an Eyes in the Field report or calling 517-336-5030.