Emerging Diseases

Emerging Infectious diseases that may be transmitted between animals and humans are a concern for all people, no matter what their age, gender, lifestyle, ethnic background, or economic status.  The Michigan Department of Community Health has a web site devoted to these types of diseases including; Mad Cow, West Nile virus, Lyme Disease, Rabies and other diseases that are spread from animals to people.

Michigan Department of Community Health Emerging Diseases Web site

Avian Influenza Information

Preventing the spread of mosquito borne diseases - Bug Spray

West Nile Virus

West Nile first began appearing in the U.S. in 1999 and has now spread to 40 states.  In the U.S. in 2002 there were more than 4,000 cases and 284 deaths attributed to West Nile.  In 2003 there were 614 cases of West Nile reported in Michigan, with 51 deaths.

West Nile Virus in Michigan? (Fact Sheet)

Report a Dead Bird

Michigan Department of Agriculture West Nile Virus Site

2004 West Nile Virus Map

2005 West Nile Virus Map

2006 West Nile Virus Map

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease has now been reported in at least 47 states, mainly in the northeast and north-central states.  It is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks.

Lyme Disease in Michigan?  (Fact Sheet)