Bird flu appears to be widespread among birds in Massachusetts, state health and environmental officials said Wednesday.
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) said bird flu — also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) — is suspected to be the cause of death in cases of both wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts municipalities.
“Evidence suggests that HPAI is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive,” the officials said in a statement. “State officials are working with partners to test suspected cases and collaborating with municipalities to safely dispose of dead birds.”
Raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds have the highest risk for infection, but “any bird species should be considered susceptible,” officials said. Foxes and wild mammals that scavenge on birds are also at risk, officials said.
The officials added that they are “advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick and report suspected cases.” Boston’s Emerald Necklace, a network for parks that runs throughout the city, posted several signs reminding residents to not touch, feed or remove birds from the parks.
There has been a history of intermittent bird flu outbreaks in Massachusetts since early 2022, officials said. In early January, an outbreak of bird flu was suspected of causing the death of Canada geese, swans and other birds in Plymouth. Now, more positive cases are being reported, officials said.
Officials advise that those with five or more sick or deceased birds at a single location should report the incidents to MassWildlife. If someone has livestock or poultry, officials recommend not sharing equipment with other bird owners, avoiding unnecessary movement of poultry and isolating new birds for at least one month before adding to a pre-existing flock.
Birth flu has been causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows in the U.S. with recent human cases among poultry and dairy workers exposed to the infected animals.
Human cases have been diagnosed across the country since April 2024, with 67 confirmed in 10 states as of Monday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most human cases have been mild with patients fully recovering. So far, just one death has been recorded in Louisiana in a patient over the age of 65 who had underlying medical conditions.
The CDC and other public health officials say there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission and the risk to the general public is low.
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