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Town officials recommend caution as avian influenza affects birds in Massachusetts

FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Town officials are urging residents to take caution around waterfowl, chickens and other migratory birds as avian influenza makes its way into New England.

The town first raised concern about the issue last week. At that time, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) had notified municipalities that the H5N1 avian influenza virus — commonly referred to as bird flu — was being reported in both wild and domestic birds across the state.

MDAR suspects an outbreak of the virus was responsible for the recent deaths of geese and other wildlife in Plymouth.

Health Director Shaun McAuliffe said he was unaware of any crossover cases to humans in Massachusetts, but monitoring is ongoing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 67 confirmed human cases and at least one death since the outbreak began last year.

The primary concern about crossover is the potential for the virus to gain mutations that make person-to-person transfer easier. There also are concerns that bird flu can infect pet animals like cats and dogs, leading to death or other negative impacts.

“As low risk as [the virus] is, it’s a larger risk for your cats and dogs,” McAuliffe said.

As a result, the town is asking residents to exercise caution around dead or dying birds. McAuliffe recommends avoiding them when possible and using a procedure similar to picking up after pets if residents feel compelled to deal with them.

“Don’t touch it with your bare hands, don’t get it on your clothing and don’t bring it up to your face,” he said. Residents should use bags and protective gear if available.

McAuliffe also noted that the virus is not consistent across all birds. Aquatic birds, waterfowl and raptors are the species most at risk. Songbirds are susceptible as well, but McAuliffe said finding infections in those species would be “unusual.”

Those with concerns about potentially infected birds are encouraged to contact either the Health Department or the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

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Photo of the Day

Late-day sunlight illuminates houses at Legacy Farms.

PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE