Massachusetts residents are being warned to avoid handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear to be sick, as preliminary positive cases of bird flu have now been reported across the state, health officials said Wednesday.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, has been present among wild birds in Massachusetts since early 2022, according to the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
But since the beginning of this month, HPAI is believed to have infected and killed more than 60 Canada geese, swans and other birds in Plymouth alone.
Now, with preliminary positive cases reported at multiple locations across the Bay State, health and wildlife officials are providing recommendations to help reduce the risk of infection.
According to the guidelines, people should “strictly avoid handling wildlife,” report possible outbreaks and keep their pets always leashed or indoors to prevent exposure to infected animals.
“Evidence suggests that HPAI is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive,” officials said.
Bird fIu cases have now been confirmed in both domestic and wild birds in numerous locations across North America, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Just last week, roughly 100,000 ducks were forced to be killed after an avian flu outbreak was detected at Long Island’s Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue.
While humans are “rarely infected” with bird flu viruses, officials say the risk of infection is higher for those who have direct contact with infected animals. And even though the risk is currently low, the Centers for Disease Control reports 67 confirmed human cases in the United States since 2024 — including one death in Louisiana earlier this month.
To report sightings of five or more sick or dead wild birds found at a single location, Massachusetts residents are asked to contact the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Those who observe sick chickens, turkeys, gamebirds, pigeons, guinea fowl or domestic ducks or geese are should contact the Department of Agricultural Resources’ Division of Animal Health.
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