Over the summer there has been increasing media coverage on harmful algal blooms (HABs).

HABs form when cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which are a natural part of water bodies, produce toxins, called cyanotoxins, that can make animals and people sick. When conditions are right, these organisms can increase rapidly to form cyanobacterial blooms—or harmful
algal blooms. 

Harmful algal blooms generally occur during the hottest part of the summer, but have been seen at any point between May and October, depending on weather conditions. 

Animals, especially dogs, typically get ill from HABs when they ingest water from toxin-containing water bodies. Animals may also ingest affected water when swimming. Symptoms can develop very quickly and may include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and seizures. This is an urgent situation, as death of the animal can occur rapidly depending on how much toxin is consumed.

The Animal Industry Division has created two new resources to help you and your clients better understand HABs: 

Harmful Algal Blooms for Animal Owners

Harmful Algal Blooms for Veterinarians

More information on HABs can be found on the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's website at www.michigan.gov/habs.

There have been nine confirmed cases of EEE in Michigan horses in 2019 from the following counties: Barry (2),  Kalamazoo (3), Lapeer (1), and St. Joseph (3). Cases are being reported steadily. For the latest and most complete information, visit www.equinediseasecc.org.

In addition, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has reported that five free-ranging white-tailed deer have tested positive for EEE this year: a two-year-old male in Barry County; a three-year-old female in Cass County; a four-year-old female from Genesee County; a five-year-old female in Kalamazoo County; and a one-year old female from Van Buren County.

Eastern equine encephalitis is a reportable animal disease and suspect cases should be reported to AID.

With the increased prevalence of backyard chicken owners comes an increase in the number of people requiring access to veterinary resources. However, for the small poultry producer, the supply of veterinary resources has not kept up with the demand for their services.

In an effort to increase resources for backyard poultry producers, we are collecting the names of veterinarians in Michigan who are willing to provide poultry medical care and diagnostic services for small producers.

Please take our short survey to put your name on a list of veterinarians in Michigan who are willing to work with poultry.