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
Spruce Up Your Home for St. Patrick’s Day
Spruce Up Your Home: Spring is just around the corner, and there are few better ways to freshen up your home than with a wee bit of St. Patrick’s Day decor.
(Feature Impact) Spring is just around the corner, and there are few better ways to freshen up your home than with a wee bit of St. Patrick’s Day decor.
Spruce Up Your Home for St. Patrick’s Day
A Splash of Green and a Sparkle of Gold
Whether you love emerald, lime, sage or leafy green shades, simply adding a pop of a new-to-you hue can infuse your home with some St. Paddy’s fever. Check craft stores for reusable greenery to place in a pot or vase, or get crafty and dot pinecones with glue before dusting them with green glitter and placing them in a glass bowl to make a festive display worthy of a leprechaun’s seal of approval. Get Ready for Spring and Shop New Arrivals to Refresh Your Space!
Scent of the Season
Lighting a candle not only creates a festive vibe, but the aroma from a scented candle can remove any staleness in the air and bring some ambiance to your home. Any earthy scent will do – from juniper to fir, pine, sandalwood or amber. Woodsy choices infuse a room with comfort and warmth. Decorative elements like metal charms, beads and crystals (in bright green or gold) add a pop of whimsy to your candle, too.
Shape a Shamrock
Holidays are ideal times to flex your creative muscles and give your home a little artsy edge. Scour the shelves at dollar stores or thrift shops for things like green clay or modeling dough, colored paper, wooden shamrocks, stickers and inexpensive paint sets. Set your artistic side free with paintings or drawings of shimmery rainbows, mischievous leprechauns and shamrocks in various sizes.
Coins, Clover and Centerpieces
One of the easiest ways to add a little Celtic cheer to your home is with joyful table decor. Add some gold shimmer to your dining room table with sparkly ribbons, a bright runner and gold-flecked napkin rings. A fancy glass filled with green baubles and pebbles can be both subtle and festive. A scattering of faux gold coins and rainbow napkins can make the space feel merry and magical.
Find more ideas to get your home ready for St. Patrick’s Day at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers: Basic Fun! and Hasbro Bring D&D to Gen Alpha in July 2026
Basic Fun! has partnered with Hasbro to launch DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers™, a collectible action figure line aimed at kids aged 5 to 8, debuting in July 2026. Designed to foster imagination and storytelling, these customizable figures will feature blind packing and include a D20 die, creating an engaging experience for young adventurers.
Basic Fun! is rolling a natural 20 on nostalgia-meets-next-gen play.
In a Feb. 10, 2026 announcement, the global toy company revealed a worldwide licensing agreement with Hasbro (through Wizards of the Coast) to launch DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers™, a new collectible action figure line built specifically to introduce Gen Alpha to the world of D&D. The line is expected to hit major toy retailers worldwide in July 2026, targeting kids ages 5 to 8.
What is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers?
Questers is Basic Fun!’s take on translating the spirit of the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™ into something tactile, collectible, and kid-friendly—without losing the fantasy DNA longtime fans recognize.
The pitch is straightforward: imagination-led play, world-building, and storytelling—packaged in a format that matches how kids play today: personalization, discovery, and surprise.
Questers is also positioned as a bridge between generations. It’s designed not only for kids discovering fantasy for the first time, but also for fan parents looking for a hands-on way to share D&D’s creatures, heroes, and archetypes with their children.
Built for collecting, customizing, and creating stories
Basic Fun! says the Questers line will feature three collectible scales:
- Creatures
- Adventurers
- Monsters
Each figure will be:
- Blind-packed (surprise-style collectibles)
- Fully buildable
- Designed with interchangeable parts so kids can mix, match, and customize
And the D&D tie-in isn’t just a logo on the box. Each figure will come with:
- A D20 die
- A storystarter prompt to encourage kids to create adventures with their collection
That combination—collectability + customization + storytelling prompts—signals exactly what the brand is aiming for: repeat play that feels different every time.
Why D&D, and why now?
D&D’s cultural footprint has been expanding across entertainment, publishing, and digital platforms, and the press release points to a clear shift: Gen Alpha gravitates toward play patterns rooted in personalization, discovery, and world-building.
Questers is designed to meet that moment by turning D&D’s iconic fantasy elements into a “discovery-driven” toy experience—one that doesn’t require reading a rulebook, building a character sheet, or learning game mechanics to start having fun.
In other words: it’s D&D energy, scaled to the toy aisle.
What the companies are saying
Dan Westcott, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Basic Fun!, framed Questers as an on-ramp into the franchise:
- Approachable, creative, and fun for young adventurers
- A meaningful way for fan parents to share a universe they already love
Kara Kenna, Franchise Creative Director for D&D at Wizards of the Coast, emphasized the “hands-on” fantasy exploration angle—positioning Questers as a way for kids to engage imagination and play in a physical format.
Release timing and what to watch for
The big headline for retailers and parents: Questers debuts in July 2026, with a worldwide rollout planned at major toy retailers.
What to watch for as the launch gets closer:
- Character/creature reveals (and how deep they go into classic D&D lore)
- Price points and pack formats (single packs vs. multipacks)
- How the “storystarter” system works across the different scales
- Whether the line ties into broader D&D content (books, digital, or entertainment releases)
The takeaway
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers is shaping up to be a smart, modern entry point into fantasy play—one that blends classic D&D storytelling with today’s collectible toy trends.
For longtime fans, it’s another sign that D&D’s influence keeps widening. For kids, it’s a new way to build heroes, mash up monsters, roll a D20, and start telling stories—no dungeon master required.
Source: Basic Fun! press release distributed via PRNews
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!
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What to Know Before You Remodel Your Home
Planning a home remodel involves defining goals, setting a budget, gathering inspiration, planning a timeline, selecting a contractor, finalizing design choices, and preparing the home. A clear plan helps manage costs and expectations, allowing for a smoother renovation process while minimizing stress for the household.
Last Updated on March 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
What to Know Before You Remodel Your Home
(Family Features) Planning a home remodel is as much about your vision as it is your preparation. With a thoughtful plan, you can refresh your living space, stay on budget and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.
Consider these steps to get the process started:
- Define your goals
Decide what you’re looking to accomplish with your remodel, whether it’s improved functionality, updated style, higher resale value or a combination. Make a simple list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” so you can prioritize upgrades if costs start to climb too high.
- Set a realistic budget
Determine how much you’re comfortable spending then add a cushion of 10-20% for additional material costs and any surprises behind walls or under floors. Get rough price ranges for materials and labor, which allows you to adjust the scope of your project before the work begins, if necessary, instead of mid-project.
- Gather ideas and inspiration
Collect photos, paint colors and product ideas in a single place, such as a digital folder or photo album on your smartphone. Pay attention to recurring themes in your inspiration – such as cabinetry, flooring and fixture styles and colors – so it’s easier to choose finishes when the time comes.
- Lay out the project timeline
Think about the best time for your household to live through construction, especially if kitchens or bathrooms will be out of commission during the renovation. Talk with potential contractors about timing for each phase so you can plan for temporary living arrangements, if necessary.
- Choose the right construction crew
Interview a variety of potential contractors, being sure to ask for references and verify licenses and insurance. Once you’ve narrowed your list, request written estimates that include labor and material costs, timelines and payment schedules so expectations are clear before choosing a service provider and signing an agreement.
- Finalize design details and materials
Make as many design decisions as possible before demolition, including choosing fixtures, appliances, flooring, tile, paint, hardware and other details. Ordering key items early can help avoid delays and keep the project on schedule once work begins.
- Prep your home and family
Before construction begins, clear areas where work will be completed of furniture and decor, covering anything that cannot be moved out of the room with plastic sheeting. So everyone knows what to expect while your home is in transition, talk with family members about the impending noise and dust, and make necessary schedule changes to avoid interrupting work.
Visit eLivingtoday.com for more resources and home renovation guidance.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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