Bird flu is 'widespread' among birds in Massachusetts, state officials say

[riversedge]

well, birds know no state boundaries. I assume the bird flu is everywhere. IMHO

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Bird flu is 'widespread' among birds in Massachusetts, state officials say

Officials believe bird flu has killed wild and domestic birds across the state.

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/bird-flu-widespread-massachusetts-state-officials/story?id=118230729

By Mary Kekatos and Megan Forrester January 29, 2025, 2:20 PM



Bird flu is 'widespread' among birds in Massachusetts, state officials say

Officials believe bird flu has killed wild and domestic birds across the state.

By Mary Kekatos and Megan Forrester January 29, 2025, 2:20 PM




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The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) said bird flu -- also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) -- is suspected to be the cause of death in cases of both wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts municipalities.

"Evidence suggests that HPAI is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive," the officials said in a statement. "State officials are working with partners to test suspected cases and collaborating with municipalities to safely dispose of dead birds."


Raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds have the highest risk for infection, but "any bird species should be considered susceptible," officials said. Foxes and wild mammals that scavenge on birds are also at risk, officials said.

The officials added that they are "advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick and report suspected cases." Boston's Emerald Necklace, a network for parks that runs throughout the city, posted several signs reminding residents to not touch, feed or remove birds from the parks.


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Officials advise that those with five or more sick or deceased birds at a single location should report the incidents to MassWildlife. If someone has livestock or poultry, officials recommend not sharing equipment with other bird owners, avoiding unnecessary movement of poultry and isolating new birds for at least one month before adding to a pre-existing flock.

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[Deuxcents]

1. We have an eagle cam locally n both eaglets died from bird flu.

I’m in south Florida so it’s here, now. It was just announced after confirmation that the eaglets had seizures and died

[SheltieLover]

2. Oh no!

[C_U_L8R]

3. What about bird feeders?

What are we supposed to do and how best to handle? We love our bird visitors but don't want to make them or ourselves sick.

ON EDIT: Found this advice. Unclear about humans refilling/handling bird feeders (of course we wash our hands well anyway).
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/avian-influenza-outbreak-should-you-take-down-your-bird-feeders/

[TommyT139]

5. Very helpful link, thanks!

Hard news about raptor susceptibility, though.

[slightlv]

4. We're decimating the wild animal populations

we've got dead birds alongside the roadway in the summer after they pick at the crops in the fields. Those fields all proudly display the Monsanto signs. We encroach on their territory, throw hissy fits when they enter our backyards, and send people out with guns to shoot them. Bird flu is a pandemic among the birds, just like Covid is with us. Mother Nature will survive in one way or another, but people will not be on earth when it happens. We're too busy killing everything off -- including ourselves.