Consumer Corner
Bird flu flares up again in Michigan poultry – an infectious disease expert explains the risk to humans, chickens, cows and other animals
Kimberly Dodd, Michigan State University
After a relatively quiet fall, there’s been another spike in cases of bird flu in Michigan.
When state officials announced on Dec. 16, 2024, that bird flu had been found in another poultry facility in Ottawa County, it was the first time the H5N1 virus had been detected in Michigan poultry in over six months. Since then, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed seven more outbreaks – in five commercial and two backyard flocks – in the state, the most recent in Oakland County.
Meanwhile, on Jan. 6, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the first human death from bird flu in the U.S., in Louisiana.
Bird flu is a complex and evolving disease with significant impact to the poultry and dairy industries. Since the beginning of the outbreaks in poultry and cattle, almost 135 million birds and more than 900 cattle herds have been affected nationwide. A significant number of wild animals – such as raccoon, skunks, foxes and bobcats – as well as marine mammals and domestic cats have also died from the virus.
Kimberly Dodd, dean of Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, is an expert in outbreak response for emerging infectious diseases. Michigan was among the first states to see H5N1 outbreaks in commercial poultry and dairy facilities. Both state and federal officials have worked closely with the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to identify newly infected herds, while continuing to provide surveillance for the virus in poultry and wild birds.
Dodd talked to The Conversation U.S. about the risks H5N1 presents to families, pets and livestock, and how researchers are working together to find ways to limit its spread.
What are Michigan researchers learning about the outbreak?
In the case of H5N1 in cows, scientists and animal health experts here in Michigan and around the country are working to understand a familiar disease in a novel species.
The transmission of the avian flu virus H5N1 to dairy cattle was first confirmed in March 2024 in Texas and has since spread to 15 other U.S. states, most recently California.
The virus impacts milk production and poses significant risks to other bird species, particularly domestic poultry as well as some mammals. The CDC has also confirmed mild cases in humans, and a fatal one in Louisiana in January 2025.
Diagnosticians at Michigan State University and the USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network provide rapid diagnostics to identify infected herds and monitor the virus in wild birds and mammals, helping control the spread.
We’ve learned, based on sequencing the circulating viruses, that there is a specific virus strain or H5N1 genotype, B3.13, circulating in cows and poultry. Subtle changes over time in the genetic makeup of the virus points to a single spillover event. This means the virus likely spread from wild birds to a cow in Texas, and then spread from cow to cow. We also know that there is a separate H5N1 genotype, D1.1, that is currently circulating in wild birds and domestic poultry.
Researchers in our College of Veterinary Medicine are working with federal and state officials and farmers to determine how long cows produce infectious milk. The goal is to understand how cows are becoming infected within and across herds so that we can better mitigate the spread.
Why is it called bird flu if it sickens other animals too?
Influenza viruses affect many animals including humans, pigs, dogs and horses.
There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D, which are loosely defined by the species they can infect. Avian influenza viruses are considered influenza A viruses. Interestingly, influenza D viruses are the ones that primarily infect cattle. But the current H5N1 circulating in dairy cattle is the same influenza A virus as seen in the ongoing outbreak in birds.
This is of particular concern, as only influenza A viruses have been associated with human pandemics.
Avian influenza viruses circulate in wild birds but don’t typically cause them significant disease. While many avian influenza viruses can infect poultry, their behavior in those hosts classifies the virus as either highly pathogenic or low pathogenic. It’s important to note that this classification doesn’t necessarily indicate how easily it spreads or the likelihood that the virus will jump to other species.
The currently circulating strain is classified as highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, based on the high mortality it causes domestic poultry. One of the many unusual characteristics of the current outbreak is the high mortality seen in wild birds; as a result, we have seen many species of young carnivores and scavengers infected by the virus.
Infection in other species often requires exposure to a large amount of virus, or a compromised or underdeveloped immune system. These are typically “dead-end hosts.” They become infected but do not play a role in virus spread because either the animal dies or it becomes infected but not infectious.
The current outbreak of HPAI H5N1 has been ongoing since 2021. The outbreak is notable for its duration, wide geographic spread and unusual impact on nonpoultry species as well. It has caused significant illness and death in wild birds like ducks and geese, as well as mammals exposed to infected bird carcasses like cats and skunks.
However when the USDA unexpectedly confirmed that H5N1 was the cause of significant disease in dairy cattle in early 2024, it marked the first time that the virus was detected in U.S. dairy cattle.
What does the virus do to cattle?
Most cows infected with H5N1 recover on their own without treatment. Symptoms include fever and sluggishness. There is also decreased appetite and a significant drop in milk production in lactating cows, as the virus is concentrated in the mammary glands and milk.
There are three reasons to care about the ongoing H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle:
First, the drop in milk production and the virus’s infectious nature create challenges for farmers to control the infection and lead to economic losses. In addition to the production losses, there are additional labor and supply costs to manage the outbreak in the herd, including separation and supportive care of sick cows. Workers also need to use personal protective equipment to prevent spread of the virus to healthy animals and to protect themselves from potential infection.
Second, dairy cows produce large amounts of the virus in milk, which is highly infectious. While pasteurization kills the virus, raw milk remains a major infection risk. Significant numbers of wild mammals and domestic cats on dairy farms have died from the virus after consuming raw milk. It also poses a risk to dairy workers.
The virus has also spread from dairy farms to poultry facilities, causing high bird mortality. Experts are exploring the possibility that clothing, shoes, trucks, equipment and other items that have been contaminated with raw milk containing the virus can lead to inadvertent, and lethal, exposure for poultry.
Third, prolonged circulation in cattle increases the risk of the virus adapting to mammals, including humans.
To monitor this risk, all H5N1-positive samples are sent to the USDA for genetic sequencing to identify mutations that may increase the virus’s ability to infect mammals and to provide important information about how the virus spreads within and between populations.
How do we manage H5N1 moving forward?
Biosecurity for poultry and dairy facilities is more critical than ever. Biosecurity measures include limiting visitors to farms and facilities; disinfecting tools, footwear and equipment; avoiding contact between infected and noninfected species; and isolating sick animals.
These measures play an important role in both containing the virus and keeping it away from other animals, properties and people.
Kimberly Dodd, Dean of College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Consumer Corner
Tackling Auto Insurance Myths: Misconceptions Drivers Should Know Before Making Coverage Decisions
Misinformation about auto insurance can lead to poor decisions. Mercury Insurance highlights common myths, such as negotiable premiums and misconceptions about coverage. Understanding realities helps consumers make informed choices, enhancing their confidence in selecting the right insurance policy.
(Family Features) Misinformation about auto insurance continues to circulate, leading many drivers to make decisions based on outdated or inaccurate assumptions.
“Even savvy drivers can be misled by insurance myths,” said Justin Yoshizawa, director of product management at Mercury Insurance. “Understanding what coverage actually does – and doesn’t – do can help people avoid unpleasant surprises after an accident.”
To help consumers stay informed, Mercury Insurance is sharing this lineup of auto insurance misconceptions that can affect coverage, cost and peace of mind – and the facts that stand in their place.
Myth No. 1: You Can Negotiate Your Auto Insurance Premium
Fact: Insurance rates aren’t like haggling for a car price. They’re calculated using approved rating formulas and risk models regulated by state insurance departments, so you can’t negotiate a lower rate directly with your carrier. What you can do is shop for discounts, adjust coverage levels or improve your risk profile to influence your premium.
Myth No. 2: You Don’t Need Medical Payments Coverage ifYou Have Health Insurance
Fact: Even if you carry health insurance, your auto policy’s medical payments or personal injury protection can still be valuable. These coverages may pay medical costs regardless of fault and can help cover expenses not covered by health insurance, including deductibles, co-pays, ambulance bills, lost wages and more, depending on state regulations.
Myth No. 3: Full Coverage Means You’re Covered for Everything
Fact: “Full coverage” is a common shorthand used to describe a policy that includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage. Even with all three, coverage is still subject to limits, deductibles and exclusions, which means certain situations and expenses may not be covered unless additional protections are added.
Myth No. 4: All Insurance Companies are Basically the Same
Fact: Each insurer has different underwriting guidelines, risk models, discount structures, service levels and claims handling practices. Shopping only on price without comparing coverages and service reputation can lead to surprises when you need to file a claim.
Myth No. 5: A Not-At-Fault Accident Won’t Affect Your Rates
Fact: Even if you weren’t at fault, filing a claim can still influence your insurance score and possibly affect future pricing depending on your state and your carrier’s specific rating rules. Discuss the scenario with your agent before deciding whether or not to file.
Myth No. 6: New Cars are Always More Expensive to Insure
Fact: A new car often costs more to insure than an older one, but this isn’t automatic. A new vehicle with high-end safety features or strong crash-worthiness and theft-deterrent systems may be less expensive to insure than a different used model with poor safety ratings or costly repair costs.
Myth No. 7: Insurance Automatically Pays for a Rental After an Accident
Fact: Rental car reimbursement is an optional add-on. Unless you specifically select rental reimbursement coverage, your auto policy won’t pay for a temporary vehicle while yours is being repaired.
Myth No. 8: If Your Car is Totaled, Insurance Pays Off Your Loan or Lease
Fact: Car insurance settlement is based on the vehicle’s actual cash value at the time of loss, not what you originally paid – meaning depreciation can leave you owing money on your loan or lease even after a total loss. Gap insurance is a separate optional coverage that can help cover the difference.
“Dispelling myths is about more than just good information – it’s about building insurance confidence,” Yoshizawa said. “We want drivers to make choices based on reality, not rumor.”
To learn more and ensure coverage aligns with how and where you drive, visit MercuryInsurance.com.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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Consumer Corner
Stretch Armstrong Gets a “Newstalgic” Comeback as Basic Fun! and Hasbro Reintroduce the Iconic Toy Line
Basic Fun! has partnered with Hasbro to relaunch Stretch Armstrong toys starting in fall 2025, featuring classic designs and new materials allowing for enhanced stretchability. The collection will introduce both Stretch Armstrong and his nemesis, Vac-Man, along with potential licensed character crossovers, targeting both kids and adult collectors in a nostalgic yet modernized line.
Stretch Armstrong is stretching back into the spotlight.
Basic Fun! has secured a worldwide licensing agreement with Hasbro to manufacture and distribute classic and reimagined products under the iconic Stretch Armstrong brand — one of the original super-stretchy action figure lines that first made its mark nearly 50 years ago.
The relaunch was initially announced in early 2025, and new trade coverage is keeping the story alive as the toy line moves toward broader retail availability.
What’s coming in the new Stretch Armstrong line
According to the announcement and follow-up trade reporting, the new Stretch Armstrong collection will feature super-stretchy, multi-scale figures designed for twisting, battling, and repeat play.
A key upgrade: the figures will include a unique “Power Plasma” filling that allows kids (and nostalgic collectors) to stretch them up to five times their original size — then watch them return to their original form again and again.
That stretch-and-snap-back loop is the core appeal of Stretch Armstrong, and Basic Fun! is leaning into it with new materials and a modernized play feel.
Classic character energy, plus a modern “newstalgic” twist
Basic Fun! says the lineup will preserve the classic Stretch Armstrong character design that multiple generations remember, while also introducing a reimagined version aimed at today’s kids — what the company describes as a “newstalgic” approach.
In other words: familiar enough for longtime fans, updated enough to feel current on shelves.
Stretch Armstrong won’t be alone: the villain returns
The relaunch isn’t just about the hero figure.
In addition to Stretch Armstrong, the lineup is expected to include his longtime nemesis — often known to fans as Vac-Man (trade coverage has also referred to the character as Van-Man). Either way, the message is clear: Basic Fun! is building out more than a one-figure novelty. It’s bringing back the recognizable character ecosystem that made the brand feel like a “world,” not just a toy.
Licensed crossovers are also in the works
Beyond the core Stretch Armstrong characters, Basic Fun! has also indicated it’s partnering with “several leading entertainment brands” on a co-branded portfolio of Stretch Armstrong-inspired licensed character action figures.
Specific partner brands weren’t named in the materials available so far, but it’s a signal that the relaunch strategy likely extends beyond the classic lineup into crossover territory — an approach that’s become increasingly common as toy companies look to connect evergreen play patterns with today’s entertainment fandoms.
What Basic Fun! and Hasbro are saying
Basic Fun! Senior Vice President of Marketing Dan Westcott framed the deal as a multi-audience play — built for kids, but also for adult collectors:
“We are honored to work with Hasbro to reimagine this legendary brand for a new generation of children, as well as long time kidult fans and collectors.”
Hasbro also emphasized the brand’s legacy of imagination and open-ended play. Bradley Bowman, Senior Director, Licensed Consumer Products, Global Toy at Hasbro, said the company is focused on bringing its brands to life for new generations — and pointed to Basic Fun!’s track record reviving classic Hasbro properties like Lite-Brite and Tonka.
When to expect it (and what to watch for next)
Basic Fun!’s first Stretch Armstrong toys are expected to arrive at retailers worldwide starting in fall 2025, and trade coverage as of Jan. 29, 2026 continues to position the line as a major “newstalgia” revival.
Next up, the details most shoppers and collectors will be watching for:
- Exact release dates by retailer/region
- Pricing and figure sizes (SKUs)
- Which entertainment brands are part of the co-branded character lineup
- Whether the line expands beyond figures into additional formats
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner
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Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Hardwood floors come in a variety of types. Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to recognize the type of floor – and its finish – in your home.
Whether solid wood or engineered wood (multiple layers of wood veneer), each flooring type has specific cleaning needs. The same is true for the type of finish used, including durable and water-resistant surface finishes like polyurethane and polycrylic or penetrating finishes such as oil or wax, which require more meticulous care to ensure longevity and maintain shine.
Transform your hardwood floors from dull to dazzling with these cleaning tips.
- Prepare the Area: Remove furniture and rugs from the room to ensure you can clean every inch of the floor. Check for any debris or dirt that can be swept away with a soft-bristle broom or vacuumed using a hardwood floor vacuum attachment.
- Dust and Sweep: Thoroughly sweep the floor to remove dust and dirt. Use a microfiber mop to capture finer particles the broom might miss.
- Spot Clean: Identify any stubborn stains or spots. Use a damp cloth and small amount of hardwood floor cleaner to gently scrub these areas. Avoid harsh chemicals (including vinegar and ammonia), abrasive scrubbers and soaked cloths to prevent damage to the wood or finish.
- Mop the Floor: Fill a bucket with water and add a few drops of pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner. Dip the microfiber mop into the solution, wring out excess water and mop the floor following the grain of the wood. Work in small sections to prevent water from sitting on the floor too long. Note: Excessive water can seep into the wood and cause swelling, warping or mold growth.
- Dry the Floor: Immediately after mopping, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the floor to remove any remaining moisture and streaks before walking on it.
- Prevent Long-Term Danage: Place doormats at entryways to catch dirt and moisture before they reach your floors. Use area rugs in high-traffic areas, felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and a dehumidifier to control humidity levels, which can impact wood stability.
- Maintain the Shine: Apply a hardwood floor polish every few months according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Test the polish in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your floor’s finish.
For more home maintenance guidance, visit eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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