Massachusetts: 2024-2025 Avian flu in wild birds

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/02...ian-influenza/

February 6, 2024 at 7:08 pm
Local News
Canada geese are reportedly dropping dead in Massachusetts, birds testing positive for avian influenza
By Rick Sobey Boston Herald
PUBLISHED: February 6, 2024 at 6:58 p.m. | UPDATED: February 6, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Canada geese are reportedly dropping dead in parts of the Bay State, as the bird flu virus spreads around the region.

MassWildlife over the past few days has gotten reports of dead and dying Canada geese in Essex County and the surrounding coastal areas.

These wild birds showed symptoms that are in line with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Several samples have been collected for bird flu testing, and results are pending.

This comes as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been detected in Essex County, according to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Division of Animal Health...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local...cials/3309370/

Avian flu suspected after birds found dead on Nahant beach, officials say
The birds are suspected of having avian bird flu, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said in a statement to Boston.com.
By Julia Yohe • Published March 19, 2024 • Updated on March 19, 2024 at 6:30 pm

Several birds were found dead on Short Beach in Nahant, Massachusetts, earlier this month, officials said in a public health announcement.

The birds are suspected of having Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said in a statement to Boston.com. About 20 birds were sent to Tufts for preliminary testing, the statement said. Though preliminary results were consistent with HPAI-infected birds, samples have been sent to the National Veterinary Services Lab for confirmation.

State officials are investigating the incident and will share more information as it becomes available, the public health announcement, posted on March 7, said...

[Commonground]

Dead Birds Test Positive For Avian Flu In Nahant

Apr 16, 2024
NAHANT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Nahant officials say two dead birds found on Short Beach tested positive for a form of avian influenza.

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife conducted preliminary tests on the birds last month.

After the test results came back as “non-negative,” the samples were forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory for positive confirmation.

...https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/cont...flu-in-nahant/

[Nahant is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 3,334 at the 2020 census, which makes it the smallest municipality by population in Essex County. With just 1.0 square mile of land area, it is also the smallest municipality by area in the state.Wikipedia]

[Lance]

NEW OUTBREAKS OB_134756 - ESSEX COUNTY

OUTBREAK REFERENCE


START DATE
2024/02/16

END DATE


DETAILED CHARACTERISATION

FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Massachusetts

SECOND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Essex

THIRD ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL UNIT
Not applicable

LOCATION
Essex County

Latitude, Longitude
42.613 , -70.661

(Approximate location)

OUTBREAKS IN CLUSTER


MEASURING UNIT
Animal

AFFECTED POPULATION DESCRIPTION
Captive wild surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata). SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Surf Scoter (WILD)
WildNEW------TOTAL------

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test


https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4247

[Pathfinder]

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: June 11, 2024
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Massachusetts Suffolk 03/15/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Red-tailed hawk Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Plymouth 03/15/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 White-winged scoter Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 03/20/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 American crow Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 03/20/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Red-tailed hawk Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 03/20/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/04/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 American crow Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 02/28/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Great black-backed gull Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Submitting Agency Private (non-government) submission
Massachusetts Barnstable 03/01/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Herring gull Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 03/01/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 American crow Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 03/03/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Great black-backed gull Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 03/04/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 03/11/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 03/13/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 03/14/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 03/16/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Red-tailed hawk Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 03/31/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 American crow Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/04/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Great black-backed gull Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Essex 03/19/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Black scoter Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Worcester 02/23/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Bald eagle Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Worcester 02/23/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Bald eagle Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Worcester 02/23/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 White-winged scoter Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Essex 03/11/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Common loon Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Essex 04/12/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Black scoter Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Essex 04/12/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Black scoter Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Plymouth 03/26/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Common raven Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Plymouth 03/26/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Common raven Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Middlesex 05/03/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Turkey vulture Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Middlesex 05/03/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Turkey vulture Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Middlesex 05/03/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Turkey vulture Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Middlesex 05/03/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Turkey vulture Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Plymouth 02/25/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Mute swan Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Essex 02/27/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 White-winged scoter Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Essex 02/26/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 White-winged scoter Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Essex 03/11/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 White-winged scoter Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Essex 03/11/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 White-winged scoter Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Essex 03/11/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Common loon Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Middlesex 03/17/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Great horned owl Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Norfolk 03/24/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Great black-backed gull Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Norfolk 03/25/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Great black-backed gull Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Middlesex 03/27/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Bald eagle Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Middlesex 03/27/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Bald eagle Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Bristol 03/27/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Bald eagle Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Middlesex 03/27/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Bald eagle Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts bristol 03/27/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Bald eagle Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/05/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/05/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/05/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/05/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/05/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/05/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/05/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/05/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Franklin 04/13/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Herring gull Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Middlesex 05/01/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Turkey vulture Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Middlesex 05/01/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Turkey vulture Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/19/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 American crow Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/11/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 American crow Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/15/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Red-tailed hawk Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Barnstable 04/28/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 American crow Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Nantucket 03/18/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Great black-backed gull Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Nantucket 03/18/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Great black-backed gull Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Nantucket 03/18/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Great black-backed gull Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Nantucket 03/18/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Gull (unidentified) Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts Nantucket 03/18/2024 06/04/2024 EA H5N1 Gull (unidentified) Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.wcvb.com/article/bird-fl...-2025/63474123


Plymouth, Massachusetts, treating case of bird flu in goose found at Billington Sea
Updated: 2:25 PM EST Jan 19, 2025
Imani Clement
Digital Content Editor

PLYMOUTH, Mass. —

A goose found dead at Billington Sea is being treated as a case of bird flu, the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, confirmed Sunday.

According to Plymouth, the goose was found among other dead birds at Billington Sea.

"The Town was informed by the Massachusetts State Ornithologist on Saturday, January 18, 2025, that a deceased goose removed from Plymouth last week is highly suspect of having H5N1, commonly known as avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu," the town wrote in a statement Sunday...

[Pathfinder]

/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymouth,_Massachusetts
------------------------------------

Posted on: January 19, 2025

Updates & Testing of Deceased Waterfowl at Plymouth's Billington Sea



The Town has actively been collaborating with state officials regarding the deceased birds discovered at Billington Sea and is working diligently to provide timely updates to the community.

For further information, please read the full press release here: Updates and Testing of Waterfowl at Plymouth's Billington Sea.

https://www.plymouth-ma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=257

[sharon sanders]

Dead geese at UMass test positive for bird flu


by: Tony Fay

Posted: Jan 21, 2025 / 07:47 AM EST

Updated: Jan 21, 2025 / 07:54 AM EST



AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – Two Canada geese found dead on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus have tested positive for bird flu. A University spokesperson told 22News that the geese were the first on campus to have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as H5N1.

more....

https://www.wwlp.com/news/health/dead-geese-at-umass-test-positive-for-bird-flu/

[Commonground]

[Brockton Mass is in Plymouth County; and Avon is in Norfolk County.]

Large Mass. park closed over potential bird flu outbreak
Park, Brockton and Avon
By Asher Klein • Published 2 hours ago • Updated 2 hours ago


D.W. Field Park, a large park in Brockton and Avon, Massachusetts, was closed on Friday, with officials warning of a potential bird flu outbreak and urging the public not to touch any birds that are dead or hurt.

The city of Brockton, the town of Avon and the park itself posted on Facebook about the closure Friday afternoon. The posts all included the phrase, "PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH ANY INJURED OR DECEASED BIRDS." The same message was shared on the City of Brockton's website.

The statements referred to wildlife issues and events involving birds, but didn't share specifics about what led to the closure of the 650-acre park.

The park is about 20 miles northeast of Billington Sea, the Plymouth pond where dozens of ducks, geese and swans were found dead with suspected bird flu this weekend. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife also confirmed to NBC10 Boston Thursday that several geese found sick or dead on the campus of UMass Amherst in early January were confirmed to have had the illness.

Continued: https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local...break/3612241/

[Pathfinder]

...
Press Release - HPAI A(H5N1) Avian Influenza

Posted on: January 25, 2025 - 7:05pm

h5n1_press_release.pdf

https://www.town.duxbury.ma.us/board-health/news/press-release-hpai-ah5n1-avian-influenza

-----------------------------
Excerpt from the PDF link :


...

[Commonground]

[Taunton is a city and county seat of Bristol County, note the date below]
January 22, 2025
Multiple dead birds discovered, tested for bird flu in Taunton

TAUNTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Multiple birds were found dead in Taunton in what appears to be more cases of the bird flu.

At least nine birds were found dead near Lake Sabbatia in Taunton and are being tested for the disease, according to Taunton Police. The Department of Public Health says that more than 60 bird deaths are related to the bird flu

continued: https://www.wwlp.com/news/health/mul...mo-link-block1

[Commonground]

[ About the park
D.W. Field Park consists of 650 acres of fields, woodlands, and waterways in Brockton and Avon, Massachusetts. The roadway loops around several lakes, waterfalls and ponds creating a scenic 6 mile route to enjoy by walking, biking or driving. D.W. Field Park Golf Courseis an eighteen-hole course within the park.]


Brockton Park closed due to bird flu concerns
January 27, 2025

BROCKTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Bird flu concerns have shut down a park in Brockton until further notice.


The D.W. Field Park is closed out of an abundance of caution. Dead swans and geese were found at the park on Thursday, said NBC Boston. It’s about 20 miles away from Plymouth, where dozens of birds were found dead with suspected bird flu last weekend.

The disease has been detected here in western Massachusetts. Two Canada geese were found dead on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus and have tested positive for bird flu.
-snip-

Report sick or dead birds


Officials are asking those who see sick or dead birds, to refrain from handling them and report to the following:

• Reporting wild birds:  The public should report observations of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds.
• Reporting domestic birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795.
• Handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animals. Report sightings as indicated above or call the local Animal Control Officer.
• Keeping pets safe: Pets should always be kept away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife.
• Hunting geese: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize risk from wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game.

https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news...-flu-concerns/

[Commonground]

Hudson, Massachusetts
‘Remain cautious: Hudson authorities respond to possible bird flu situation ay Bruces Pond

January 26, 2025
Members of the Hudson Fire Department, Animal Control, and Health Department were dispatched to Bruces Pond for a possible bird flu situation.

Authorities received reports that a swan and goose were found dead at the pond.

Because of the uptick in potential bird flu cases, town officials took precautionary measures and recovered the deceased birds to prevent further transmission of bird flu.

Lauren Antonelli, Director of the Hudson Health Department, reassures residents that the risk of bird flu to humans remains minimal:
-snip-
“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed,” Antonelli added. “Residents should feel confident that the necessary measures are being taken to address this issue while keeping the community informed.”

https://www.yahoo.com/news/remain-cautious-hudson-authorities-respond-004459557.html

[Pathfinder]

Press Release

State Officials Provide Updated Guidance on Suspected Avian Flu Cases Reported Across Massachusetts

Recommendations aim to support public health, agriculture, and wildlife amid ongoing monitoring efforts For immediate release:

1/29/2025

• Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
• Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
• Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
• Department of Public Health

BOSTON — State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, which rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of death in cases of both wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts municipalities. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) are advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick and report suspected cases.

Since early 2022, Massachusetts has had recurring incidents of HPAI. In January 2025, an outbreak of HPAI was suspected of causing the death of Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth. Preliminary positive cases are being reported at other locations across the state. Evidence suggests that HPAI is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive. State officials are working with partners to test suspected cases and collaborating with municipalities to safely dispose of dead birds.

Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Raptors, waterfowl, and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness. Wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds, such as foxes, can also become infected.

Report Suspected Cases:

• Report Wild Birds: The public should report observations to MassWildlife of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location, using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds.
• Report Domestic Birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795 or through mass.gov/reportpoultry.

Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have direct contact with animals infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected. People with questions about the public health impact of HPAI can visit DPH’s Avian Influenza webpage or call the Division of Epidemiology (available 24/7) at 617-983-6800.

Tips for the Public:

• Avoid handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling wildlife, especially sick or dead birds or other animals.
• Keep pets safe: Dogs and other pets should always be leashed and away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent exposure to infected wildlife.
• Hunting: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize the risk of wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game.

Tips for Livestock and Poultry Owners:

Since wild migratory birds are natural carriers for Avian Influenza viruses, including HPAI, preventing wild birds from mixing with or having contact with domestic flocks is essential to disease control and prevention.

• Poultry owners should continue to practice strong biosecurity measures to keep their birds away from wild birds, particularly wild waterfowl, feathers, and droppings.
• Poultry owners with water bodies on their property should take steps to mitigate wild waterfowl from frequenting those areas. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is critical.
• Avoid unnecessary movement of poultry between locations and be aware of the potential to carry HPAI-contaminated materials onto properties where domestic birds are kept.
• New birds should be completely isolated for at least one month prior to being added to a domestic flock. Birds returning home from fairs or shows should also be isolated from the home flock as if they were new arrivals.
• Limit the number of people that have access to your flock.
• Do not share equipment with other bird owners without thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting between locations.
• For more information about HPAI, please visit MDAR’s Avian Influenza webpage.

###

https://www.mass.gov/news/state-officials-provide-updated-guidance-on-suspected-avian-flu-cases-reported-across-massachusetts

[Commonground]

[bolding is mine]
Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment Issues a Public Health Advisory to Heighten Awareness around Avian Influenza (H5N1)

Published on: January 30, 2025

County webpage provides current Cape-specific information to protect residents, pets and poultry amid nation-wide bird flu concerns

January 30, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment is urging Cape Cod residents to take precautions as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, continues to impact bird populations nationwide. While there have been no known human cases in Massachusetts, recent developments underscore the importance of public awareness and prevention.
-snip-

Web Resources

The County has compiled information about Avian Bird Flu for the public, workers and employees, as well as anyone who might maintain a backyard bird flock. The web page can be accessed at www.capecod.gov/birdflu.

Precautions for Cape Cod Residents

• Beach Walkers: If you encounter a dead bird, do not touch it with bare hands. Notify your town’s animal control officer and use disposable gloves, masks, and eye protection if handling is unavoidable.
• Backyard Poultry Owners: Protect your flock by keeping them away from wild birds. Report sick or dead poultry immediately to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Animal Health Division (617-626-1795).
• Pet Owners: Prevent pets from interacting with dead birds or other wildlife to avoid potential exposure.

Key Considerations

• Human-to-human transmission of H5N1 has not been reported.
• Properly handled and cooked poultry and eggs are safe to consume.
• Protect your pets: Keep cats indoors, keep dogs away from areas with migratory birds, and avoid feeding raw milk and raw meat pet food diets.
• In other states, H5N1 has transmitted between dairy cows with virus being found in raw milk. While no dairy cows have tested positive in Massachusetts, public health officials continue to advise against drinking raw milk. Pasteurization has been shown to kill H5N1 (and other pathogens) and is safe to drink.  
• If you suspect exposure to H5N1, monitor your health for flu-like symptoms and contact your healthcare provider or the MA Division of Epidemiology (617-983-6800).

... https://www.capecod.gov/2025/01/30/b...nfluenza-h5n1/