Mar. 25 — In recent months, Massachusetts and the USA as a whole has experienced a resurgence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) have been actively monitoring and responding to HPAI cases.
Both wild and domestic birds are susceptible to the virus, with waterfowl and raptors being particularly at risk. Almost all wild waterfowl carry some sort of variant strain of bird flu, typically LPAI (Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza), but now we are seeing HPAI H5N1. H5N1 is the specific strain of HPAI that is currently killing many birds and has affected people.
The virus is shed in the saliva, mucus, and feces of infected birds and is transmitted to other birds via ingestion or inhalation. Domestic birds, such as chickens, are incredibly vulnerable to HPAI due to close living conditions and can have a 100% mortality rate in some flocks.
It’s important to understand HPAI affects all birds differently, and infected birds may not show symptoms, it’s best to avoid handling any wildlife if you can. Songbirds such as American Robins, Sparrows, Titmice, Bluebirds and many more have low risk of contracting HPAI. If you find a dead songbird on campus around any buildings, it is likely a case of window strike, not HPAI, but it’s important to still be cautious, you should never handle injured or dead wildlife without proper protection.
Mammals are susceptible to HPAI H5N1 as well. Currently, the most affected mammals are domestic cattle, animals that prey on birds (foxes, bobcats etc) and house cats. Due to the highly contagious nature of HPAI, animals that test positive for it are typically euthanized. Cattle and chickens are being culled by the hundreds and thousands in an attempt to mitigate the spread.
Knowing all of this, what can you do?
Avoid Handling Birds and Other Wildlife
Refrain from touching sick or dead birds or other animals. If you need to remove dead wildlife, wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection. Collect the carcass using a shovel into a plastic bag, make sure to double the bag as well. You can dispose of the carcass in any outside trash. Afterwards, sanitize the shovel or tool that touched the carcass with 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, or any strong sanitizing solution. Immediately wash any clothing worn with a sanitizing solution.
Keep Pets Safe
Keep dogs leashed and prevent them from interacting with wildlife, additionally you can wipe their paws down with a pet-safe sanitizer after being outdoors. Keep dogs away from areas with high waterfowl traffic such as ponds and lakes, as well as other highly contagious animals like cattle. Cats should be kept indoors to avoid exposure, it’s recommended to not wear shoes indoors and to sanitize them if you can, as well as washing your hands after being outside. It’s also important to note dogs are at lower risk for HPAI infection than cats.
Guidance for Poultry Owners
Keep domestic birds away from wild birds, particularly waterfowl, and their droppings. Eliminate standing water and restrict domestic birds’ access to ponds, streams, and wetlands that attract wild waterfowl. Limit the movement of poultry between locations and avoid sharing equipment with other bird owners without thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Human Infection
While human infections with bird flu are rare, individuals with direct contact with infected animals are at higher risk, especially agriculture workers. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health emphasizes the importance of avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and practicing good hygiene to minimize risk. If you experience flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, headache, runny nose etc) within 10 days of having direct contact with possibly infected wildlife, call your state/local health department immediately (MA DPH: (617) 624-6000).
Currently there have been 70 cases of human infection of H5N1 in the USA, and one death. There has been NO human-to-human transmission. Residents with further questions about the public health impact of HPAI can visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/avian-influenza or call the Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.
Reporting Suspected Cases
Wild Birds: Report observations of sick or deceased birds, if five or more are found in one location, or the bird is identified as a Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, or Snowy Owl, using the form at mass.gov/reportbirds
Domestic Birds: Report sick or dead poultry by contacting MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795 or through mass.gov/reportpoultry
REVIEWED BY: Blaise Paine, Phe O’Leary, Ryan Nivus
