Avian Influenza Update as of 2/4/2024
- 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
- 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:
If you have specific concerns, please reach out to the Health Department.
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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poultry-best-management-practices.pdf | 128.13 KB |
a_sample_of_biosecurity_principles_for_your_flocks.pdf | 194.95 KB |