About 400 workers at five farms in Ionia County, Michigan, will lose their jobs due to a mass layoff at Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch.
Reason:
The layoffs are due to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that has affected the hen population at Saranac and Lake Odessa farms.
HPAI:
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.
Measures taken:
The premises are currently under quarantine, and the birds will be depopulated to prevent disease spread.
Impact:
Michigan’s egg farmers are among the most proactive in the country, with their diligence leading to rapid detection of HPAI in this flock. Strict biosecurity measures are in place to protect flocks from the increased threat of HPAI.
Additional information:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low. No animals or products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced an emergency order to protect local livestock from the Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu. This “HPAI Risk Reduction Response Order” includes measures such as appointing a biosecurity manager, establishing a line of separation to limit access points, implementing cleaning and disinfection protocols, and logging entries in secure areas.
In summary, the layoffs at Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch are a result of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting the hen population at Saranac and Lake Odessa farms. The premises are under quarantine, and the birds will be depopulated to prevent disease spread. Strict biosecurity measures are in place to protect flocks from the increased threat of HPAI. The public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low, and no animals or products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain.
