Dangerous virus circulating amongst wild birds

Birds fly collected alongside the coast within the Vadso municipality of Finnmark in Norway following a significant outbreak of hen flu on July 20, 2023. (Photo by Øyvind Zahl Arntzen / NTB / AFP) / Norway OUT (Photo by YVIND ZAHL ARNTZEN/NTB/AFP through Getty Images)

State animal well being officers have recognized a critical hen sickness in Essex County.

The Department of Agricultural Resources stated late Tuesday that it has labored with companions to “depopulate” and get rid of a “non-commercial, mixed-species backyard flock” in Essex County after detecting the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The sickness can unfold shortly and result in a excessive demise fee in numerous birds, in accordance with the World Health Organization.

“Birds on the affected premises died suddenly without exhibiting any other clinical signs consistent with HPAI and samples tested positive for the disease,” MDAR stated in an advisory. “MDAR advises backyard and commercial poultry owners to practice strong biosecurity measures to prevent domestic poultry from having contact with wild birds, their feathers, and droppings. The HPAI virus is continuing to circulate in the wild bird population, particularly in wild waterfowl.”

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife stated it’s additionally obtained experiences about lifeless and dying wild Canada geese in Essex County in recent days. The birds confirmed signs of the sickness, and state officers stated check outcomes are pending.

To curb illness danger, officers burdened the significance of limiting home birds’ access to ponds, streams and wetland areas that additionally entice wild waterfowl. Pet house owners are urged to make sure their dogs don’t have contact with wild birds.

“While humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses, humans that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are at the most risk of becoming infected,” MDAR stated. “Officials are urging the public not to handle or feed any birds suspected of being infected.”