Avian Bird Flu

Key Information:  

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, commonly called Bird Flu, is a virus that primarily affects birds, including wild and domestic species. It can be transmitted to mammals through contact with infected birds’ saliva, mucous, or feces. While human transmission is rare and doesn’t transmit from person to person, it occurs when individuals come into close or prolonged contact with infected birds, both live and dead, and their droppings. 

 

Precautions to Minimize Risk:  

To reduce your risk of exposure, it is crucial to limit direct contact with infected birds, both live and dead, and their droppings. If you encounter dead birds or mammals, such as foxes, contact your local Animal Control Officer at 508-987-4367. If you are uncomfortable handling dead birds, consider hiring a Professional Animal Control agent (Find a Problem Animal Control agent | Mass.gov). If you pick up dead birds at your property, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposal gloves, an N95 mask, eye protection (face shield and goggles), coveralls, and shoe covers or washable boots. If you suspect exposure to HPAI, monitor your health for symptoms of influenza or eye inflammation for ten days. If you experience any concerning symptoms, consult your doctor promptly.

 

Additional Resources:

 

  • Reporting Sick and Dead Wild Birds:

If you see five or more sick and dead wild birds in one location, utilize the online reporting system at: Report observations of dead wild birds | Mass.gov

 

  • Reporting Domestic Birds:

For domestic bird reporting, please use the following form: Poultry Disease Reporting Form | Mass.gov.