Massachusetts: 2024-2025 Avian flu in wild birds

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Brookline Departments of Public Health and Human Services and Public Works Shares Information About Avian Flu Infecting Local Geese and Wildlife

JANUARY 30, 2025

BROOKLINE — The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services and Department of Public Works (DPW) would like to share the following information and safety tips regarding the Avian Flu in local geese and wildlife.
According to the Massachusetts Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, 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, including wild birds along the Riverway and Olmsted Parks in Brookline and Boston.

... https://brooklinetownnews.com/2025/0...-and-wildlife/

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[bolding is mine]
Bird flu is now considered 'widespread' in Massachusetts as outbreaks spread, officials warn

January 30, 2025
Bird flu is now believed to be widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive, state environmental and health officials said Wednesday.

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

The agencies are advising the public to "refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick" and to report suspected cases.

"State officials are working with partners to test suspected cases and collaborating with municipalities to safely dispose of dead birds," the agencies said in a news release Wednesday.

Officials said that while both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI, raptors (birds of prey), 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," said the news release. "Wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds, such as foxes, can also become infected."

Officials also said that Massachusetts has had recurring incidents of HPAI since early 2022. In this particular case, an outbreak of HPAI is 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," officials said in the news release.

Tips for the public to deal with bird flu

continued: https://www.providencejournal.com/st...y/78052055007/

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Animal rescuers in the Poconos fight to control bird flu spread

January 30, 2025
The crow was thrashing its head and gasping for air.

Staff at Wilderz at Pocono Wildlife, a nonprofit animal rehabilitation center and sanctuary, sedated the bird as it went into a seizure.

A woman brought the crow to the sanctuary this week seeking help for the ailing bird while an interview for this story was underway. Staff immediately suited up in PPE (personal protective equipment) and quarantined the creature.

Within 10 minutes of its arrival fecal fluids were coming out of the crow's beak.

Shortly afterward it was dead.

The crow was infected with bird flu, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2025...ird-flu-spread

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.mvtimes.com/2025/02/03/d...ting-bird-flu/


Deceased turkeys undergoing testing for bird flu
By Eunki Seonwoo -
February 3, 2025

Around 20 turkeys found dead over the weekend in Edgartown are being tested for bird flu.

Edgartown Health Agent Brice Boutot said several clusters of deceased wild turkeys, the largest consisting of a dozen birds, were found in the Smith Hollow neighborhood between Friday and Sunday.

The birds were taken by Massachusetts Environmental Police on its boat late Sunday to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife facility in Bourne for testing.

“We’re not sure yet,” Boutot told the Times on Monday. “It could be infection, it could be toxicity.”...

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4451

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FEBRUARY 5, 2025
Brewster Residents - Avian (Bird) Flu Advisory

The Health Department urges our Brewster residents and visitors to be aware of unusual or suspect illnesses or death in our wild bird populations. The public should avoid handling suspected sick wildlife, and avoid contact between wildlife and pet dogs, cats and other domestic animals. If you or members of your family 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).
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If 5 or more deceased birds are observed in a single location, residents of Brewster are requested to contact the Department of Natural Resources at (508) 896-4546 for further investigation and reporting to MassWildlife. Notification of unexpected sick or dead domestic birds should be reported to the Health Department at (508) 896-3701 x1120.

For additional information on Avian Flu: Barnstable County Public Health Advisory Avian Influenza (H5N1)

(After hours) Online reporting of sick or dead wild birds (5 or more): MassWildlife Reporting Form Wild Birds

(After hours) Online reporting of sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds: MDAR Reporting Form Poultryor call MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795

https://www.brewster-ma.gov/home/news/avian-bird-flu-advisory

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Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: February 11, 2025
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Massachusetts	Middlesex	1/27/2025	2/4/2025	EA H5	Canada goose	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts	Middlesex	1/27/2025	2/4/2025	EA H5	Mallard	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts	Middlesex	1/27/2025	2/4/2025	EA H5	Red-breasted goose	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts	Plymouth	1/13/2025	1/27/2025	EA H5	Mallard	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Massachusetts	Hampden	1/13/2025	1/27/2025	EA H5	Canada goose	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality

...

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

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Bald eagle killed after testing positive for bird flu in Massachusetts

Published: Feb. 14, 2025, 7:40 a.m.
By Heather Morrison | hmorrison@masslive.com

...
In a video shared by Raptor Tales Rescue of Shrewsbury, the bird could be seen having “sudden and frequent head movements.” This was cause for concern for it having avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

The eagle was taken to the Wildlife Clinic and tested for the disease. It test positive and was euthanized.
...

https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/02/bald-eagle-killed-after-testing-positive-for-bird-flu-in-massachusetts.html

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From the link provided in the article:

Raptor Tales Rescue of Shrewsbury

February 11 at 10:07 AM

Townsend, MA - We assisted the finder of this adult bald eagle. The video shows neurological deficits with sudden and frequent head movements causing us serious concern for avian influenza. The eagle was taken to the Wildlife Clinic where it tested positive and was euthanized due to the disease. Infected carcasses (like waterfowl) are easy meals for eagles, vultures, other raptors, coyotes and fox. We are incredibly saddened by this loss of life and want to thank the finder for being so caring and proactive. Please see guidance regarding avian influenza below:
-http://mass.gov/.../state-officials-provide-updated...
-https://www.aphis.usda.gov/.../hpai-detections/wild-birds
-https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situati...ary/index.html

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3660314817446148

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Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification

Massachusetts	Worcester	02/18/2025	02/27/2025	EA H5	Mallard	Wild bird
Massachusetts	Worcester	01/30/2025	02/21/2025	EA H5	Hooded merganser	Wild bird
Massachusetts	Worcester	01/30/2025	02/21/2025	EA H5	Blue jay	Wild bird
Massachusetts	Middlesex	01/30/2025	02/21/2025	EA H5	Canada goose	Wild bird

...

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

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Westborough health officials say they found six dead swans. What they suspect

Norman MillerNorman Miller
The MetroWest Daily News
...March 13, 2025

WESTBOROUGH — Several swans found dead near Mill Pond earlier this week likely died of the avian flu, local officials said.

The town’s Board of Health and an animal control officer discovered the six dead swans. After consulting with state officials, the “presumptive” cause is avian flu.
...

https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/local/2025/03/13/bird-flu-suspected-deaths-six-swans-mill-pond-westborough-ma/82366142007/

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Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: May 07, 2025
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Massachusetts	Barnstable	10/21/2024	4/28/2025	EA H5N5	Great black-backed gull	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Massachusetts	Barnstable	10/21/2024	4/28/2025	EA H5N5	Sanderling	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality

...

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