United States: Massachusetts public officials declared bird flu status as “widespread” across the state on Wednesday and ordered residents to avoid contact with both deceased and sick barnyard animals and birds.
More about the news
The H5N1 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus seems to have caused bird deaths in multiple Massachusetts municipalities, according to the combined statement from public and environmental health officials who observed such occurrences in domestic and wild bird populations.
Plymouth experienced the first virus outbreak at the beginning of 2022, when tests verified that the pathogen killed numerous Plymouth geese and swans and additional bird species during February.
Massachusetts health officials believe that between 500 and 1000 wild bird mortality cases stem from the avian flu despite the presumed additional unreported cases, as briefed in The Boston Globe.
According to an official statement, “Evidence suggests that HPAI is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive,” boston.com reported.
“State officials are working with partners to test suspected cases and collaborating with municipalities to safely dispose of dead birds,” it added.
Health and environmental officials in Massachusetts said Wednesday bird flu is now "widespread" in the state. https://t.co/Flrx1VOFLB
— MansfieldNewsJournal (@MansfieldNJ) January 30, 2025
How severe is the outbreak?
This outbreak represents the largest bird flu epidemic recorded in Massachusetts, according to information from the newspaper.
The state reports that domesticated birds, along with wild types, can get infected with avian flu, while raptors, along with waterfowl and aquatic birds, represent the highest risk groups.
Despite being healthy-infected, birds cannot be detected, and animals that eat dead birds from these outbreaks will also face illness.
Due to their high vulnerability to the illness, officials suggest pet owners protect their cats indoors and walk their dogs in leashes to block contact with wildlife.
Wild birds have transmitted avian flu throughout various years, while American dairy cattle finally tested positive in March of 2024.
The virus triggered outbreaks at farms across different states, driving farmers to cull their flock, resulting in rising egg costs caused by reduced supply since last summer, boston.com reported.
Excessive virus presence has been detected in milk that is still in its raw state during dairy farm pandemic outbreaks.