Wayne County has its first confirmed case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, state officials reported Friday. The "bird flu" virus was first detected in Michigan in 2022; and has been the focus of attention in recent weeks both in the state and across the country.

State officials said they've discovered the first case of the highly infectious H5N1 bird flu virus in a backyard flock in Wayne County. In a press release issued Thursday, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development did not specify how many birds were infected, what species was involved or in which community they were located.

Georgia has confirmed the first positive case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu, in a commercial poultry operation, according to Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.