Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Update

We are all hearing on the news about birds dying in Plymouth County and beyond from suspected, and sometimes confirmed H5N1 Avian influenza.  The state of MA has a good informational web page which you can find here:

State Officials provide updated guidance - check it out here!

If you see dead birds in your yard or on your walks, it is important to remember not to touch them with your hands.  If you must move them use a shovel or other tool.  This virus does not often infect people, but human cases have been reported, so make sure you minimize any exposure.  The following tips are directly from the State's website:

Tips for the Public: 

• Avoid handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling wildlife, especially sick or dead birds or other animals.
• Keep pets safe: Dogs and other pets should always be leashed and 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 exposure to infected wildlife.
• Hunting: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize the risk of wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game.

Tips for Livestock and Poultry Owners:

Since wild migratory birds are natural carriers for Avian Influenza viruses, including HPAI, preventing wild birds from mixing with or having contact with domestic flocks is essential to disease control and prevention.

• Poultry owners should continue to practice strong biosecurity measures to keep their birds away from wild birds, particularly wild waterfowl, feathers, and droppings.
• Poultry owners with water bodies on their property should take steps to mitigate wild waterfowl from frequenting those areas. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is critical.
• Avoid unnecessary movement of poultry between locations and be aware of the potential to carry HPAI-contaminated materials onto properties where domestic birds are kept.
• New birds should be completely isolated for at least one month prior to being added to a domestic flock. Birds returning home from fairs or shows should also be isolated from the home flock as if they were new arrivals.
• Limit the number of people that have access to your flock.
• Do not share equipment with other bird owners without thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting between locations.
• For more information about HPAI, please visit MDAR’s Avian Influenza webpage.