February 24, 2025
How can you protect yourself and your animals from bird flu?
January 19, 2025
Press Release
State Officials Suspect HPAI Outbreak Impacting Geese and Other Wildlife
"PLYMOUTH — State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which very rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of over 60 deceased Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) are advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick.
- Reporting wild birds: The public should report observations of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds.
- Reporting domestic birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795.
- Handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animals. Report sightings as indicated above or call the local Animal Control Officer.
- Keeping pets safe: Pets should always be kept away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife.
- Hunting geese: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize risk from wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game.
The recent outbreak at Billington Sea in Plymouth has impacted over 60 Canada geese, swans, and ducks. Smaller outbreaks of suspected HPAI impacting fewer than 15 geese at each location have been reported in recent weeks in other parts of the state. Officials responded quickly and are collecting, testing, and safely disposing of dead birds. Prompt reporting of sick and dead birds by the public will expedite testing and diagnosis in cooperation with state and federal partners who have been monitoring HPAI for several years.
Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness. Wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds such as foxes, can also become infected.
Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected. People with questions about the public health impact of HPAI can visit DPH’s Avian influenza webpage or call the Division of Epidemiology (available 24/7) at 617-983-6800.
For more information about HPAI, please visit MDAR’s Avian Influenza webpage."
Original Press Release: https://www.mass.gov/news/state-officials-suspect-hpai-outbreak-impacting-geese-and-other-wildlife
H5N1, Avian Flu, Bird Flu
PREVENT EXPOSURE TO HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS IN YOUR POULTRY FLOCK
English PDF Version: Prevent exposure to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus in your Poultry Flock
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MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES: BIOSECURITY: Protecting Your Backyard Flock
English PDF Version: MDAR: BIOSECURITY: Protecting Your Backyard Flock
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Spanish PDF Version: MDAR: BIOSEGURIDAD: Proteja a su parvada de traspatio
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OTHER LANGUAGES AVAILABLE
Portuguese PDF Version: MDAR: BIOSSEGURANÇA: Proteja seu Bando de Quintal
Simplified Chinese PDF Version: MDAR: 生物安全： 保护你的后院家禽安全
Vietnamese PDF Version: MDAR: AN NINH SINH HỌC: Bảo Vệ Đàn Gia Cầm Nhà Bạn
Arabic PDF Version: MDAR: الأمن
For more information, please visit: Poultry Program | mass.gov
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United States Department of Agriculture: Checklist for Cleaning and Disinfecting Poultry Enclosures
"Keeping poultry houses, coops, and other enclosures clean is one of the best ways to prevent germs from spreading among poultry flocks. A thorough cleaning, and then applying disinfectant, takes time. But the process is vital to stop disease spread and keep our flocks healthy. If you see or suspect anything unusual, call your flock supervisor, veterinarian, or cooperative extension office right away. Use this form to record phone numbers for contacts in your area. The earlier you act, the easier it is to contain the disease to a single flock."
English PDF Version: Checklist for Cleaning and Disinfecting Poultry Enclosures
May 2, 2024 : Current Situation Summary
For more information, visit the following links below:
ITEM LIVE
Influenza a potential cause of bird deaths in Nahant
March 12, 2024 by Benjamin Pierce
Link to Article: https://itemlive.com/2024/03/12/influenza-a-potential-cause-of-bird-deaths-in-nahant/
