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Avian Influenza Update as of 2/4/2024

Posted on: March 8, 2022 - 3:52pm
**UPDATE 2/7/2024**
The public is asked to report sick, dead, or dying domestic or wild birds to MDAR:
  • When reporting wild birds, the public should report observations of any sick, injured, or deceased seabirds. 
  • For other species of wild birds, such as songbirds, only report observations of 5 or more birds found at a single location. 
  • The public can report observations using the simple webform at Report observations of dead wild birds | Mass.gov
  •  Report sick or dead birds!
    • Wild: Mass Wildlife at 508-389-6300   OR,   USDA Wildlife Services at 866-  487-3297
    • Domestic:  MDAR Animal Health: Call 617-626-1795 or use the online Poultry Disease Reporting Form OR, USDA Veterinary Services: Call 866-536-7593   
Update from the CDC: December 29, 2023 The CDC has updated their technical report on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) viruses to include additional information on human cases and activity in wild birds, poultry, and other animals.
  • The overall risk to human health associated with the ongoing outbreaks of HPAI, A (H5N1) viruses in wild birds and poultry, has not changed and remains low at this time.
  • No cases of mammal-to-human or human-to-human transmission of A (H 1 N 5) virus have been identified.
  • Based on available epidemiologic and virologic information about these viruses, CDC believes that the risk to the general public’s health from current H5N1 bird flu viruses is low, however some people may have job-related or recreational exposures to birds that put them at higher risk of infection.
  • Right now, the H5N1 bird flu situation is primarily an animal health issue.
  • HPAI has been detected in either wild water birds, domestic birds, or both, along the east coast from Canada to Florida. HPAI surveillance of domestic and wild birds in MA is ongoing.
  • This means that all domestic poultry in Massachusetts may be at risk of exposure. Use good biosecurity to protect your flock and your facility against the HPAI virus.
  • See MDAR’s:  Avian Influenza | Mass.gov recommendations here. 

 

Shorebirds and Avian Influenza:

     The presence of dead sea birds on the beach, and in the wrack line is not unusual, especially after a storm. However, starting in early 2022 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was detected in birds on Cape Cod. (See previous updates below.) We have observed sick or dead waterbirds on our beaches, such as ducks, geese, and gannets, and we have reached out to our State and Federal partners to ensure that they are aware of conditions here on the Outer Cape. It is important to note that not all sick or dead birds have been infected with Avian influenza and that there are different strains, some of which have lower pathogenicity.
     According to the CDC, the human risk to the general population is low and they continue to remind people to avoid contact with birds that appear ill, and to avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from wild or domestic birds. A concern has been raised about whether dead birds on the beach are a hazard for dogs, or children. Children should be instructed to avoid contact with wild birds. The USDA has informed us that there have been no reported cases of viral spillover to hunting dogs, but you should keep your pets away from dead birds as much as possible.
     While it can be distressing to see a bird that is clearly sick or hurt, please know that neither the Town nor the Cape Cod National Seashore rescues sick or injured birds. This link provides more information about wild bird rescue as well as links to reporting dead birds.
     We have heard that residents may be removing any dead birds they observe on a beach. Please do not pick up sick or dead birds. Individual dead birds do not generally require testing or removal, but if a private property owner wishes to dispose of any dead birds from their own property, they should wear appropriate protective gear (mask, gloves, boots). The boots should be washed with a bleach and water solution before visiting any domestic birds such as chickens. 
Domestic Birds and Avian Influenza:
While the danger to humans is low there is a major concern about HPAI spreading from wild birds to domestic birds such as chickens or geese. This can be devastating to domestic flocks. If you keep chickens or other domestic birds, please see this link for ways you can protect your flock.
 

If you have specific concerns, please reach out to the Health Department.

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** Update: March 21, 2022
Joint Update from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Division of Animal Health and Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWidlife)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in wild birds in MASSACHUSETTS. 

HPAI has been detected in either wild water birds, domestic birds, or both, along the east coast from Canada to Florida. Affected states include MA, CT, ME, NH, NY, and others. HPAI surveillance 
of domestic and wild birds in MA is ongoing. Based on detections in birds in multiple locations in MA and surrounding states, HPAI appears to be prevalent in at least some species of this region's wild bird population. This means that all domestic poultry in Massachusetts may be at risk of exposure.

Waterbirds including shorebirds, gulls, and waterfowl, especially geese and dabbling ducks like Mallards, are most likely to carry the HPAI virus. Use good biosecurity to protect your flock and 
your facility against the HPAI virus. Keep wild waterbirds away from your flock. Flock owners and visitors may accidentally expose their flocks to HPAI through contaminated shoes, clothing, or 
equipment. Out of an abundance of caution, MDAR is asking that Animal Control Officers and Animal Inspectors provide assistance in removing dead wild birds from the environment, as some of these cadavers may be infected with HPAI. Please double bag these carcasses and dispose of them through the usual channels. Be sure to practice good biosecurity to avoid accidentally carrying the virus on your 
clothing, shoes, or hands. See MDAR’s Poultry Program Page for biosecurity resources.

Visit MDAR’s Poultry Page for updates and biosecurity resources available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, and Arabic.

REPORT sick or dead birds!
Domestic:
MDAR Animal Health: Call 617-626-1795 or use the online Poultry Disease Reporting Form
OR
USDA Veterinary Services: Call 866-536-7593


Wild:
MDFG Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife): Call 508-389-6300
OR
USDA Wildlife Services: Call 866-487-3297

 

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**Update from the CDC:

March 7, 2022 Update: H5N1 Bird Flu Poses Low Risk to the Public

March 7, 2022—To date, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses (“H5N1 bird flu viruses”) have been detected in U.S. wild birds in 14 States and in commercial and backyard poultry in 13 states according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspective Service (APHIS). Based on available epidemiologic and virologic information about these viruses, CDC believes that the risk to the general public’s health from current H5N1 bird flu viruses is low, however some people may have job-related or recreational exposures to birds that put them at higher risk of infection. CDC is watching this situation closely and taking routine preparedness and prevention measures in case this virus changes to pose a greater human health risk.

Right now, the H5N1 bird flu situation is primarily an animal health issue. The U.S. Department of Interior and USDA APHIS are the lead federal agencies for this situation. They are respectively responsible for outbreak investigation and control of bird flu in wild birds and in domestic birds (poultry). USDA has publicly posted the genetic sequences of several of the recently detected U.S. H5N1 bird flu viruses. These viruses are from clade 2.3.4.4, which is the most common H5N1 bird flu virus worldwide at this time. Comparing information about these newer viruses to previously circulating H5N1 bird flu viruses helps to inform the human health risk assessment.

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**ALERT 3/2/22: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in wild birds in MASSACHUSETTS**

HPAI has been detected in either wild water birds, domestic birds, or both, along the east coast from Canada to Florida. Affected states include MA, CT, ME, NH, NY, and others. HPAI has also been found in KY, IN, and MI. HPAI surveillance of domestic and wild birds in MA is ongoing.

This means that all domestic poultry in Massachusetts may be at risk of exposure. Use good biosecurity to protect your flock and your facility against the HPAI virus.

See MDAR’s:  Avian Influenza | Mass.gov recommendations here. https://www.mass.gov/.../biosecurity-for-your.../download

Report sick or dead birds: domestic 617-626-1795; wild 508-389-6300.

 

 

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