Canada geese are reportedly dropping dead in Massachusetts, birds testing positive for avian influenza – Boston Herald

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MassWildlife has received reports of dead Canada geese in Essex County and the surrounding coastal areas. (Herald file photo)

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.

State agencies have depopulated and disposed of a non-commercial, mixed-species backyard flock (non-poultry) in Essex County due to the virus. Birds at the site died suddenly without exhibiting any other clinical signs consistent with the virus, and samples tested positive for the disease.

MDAR advises backyard and commercial poultry owners to practice strong biosecurity measures to prevent domestic poultry from having contact with wild birds, their feathers, and droppings, the state agency said.

The HPAI virus is continuing to circulate in the wild bird population, particularly in wild waterfowl, MDAR added. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is of critical importance.

While people are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses, humans who have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with the virus are at highest risk of becoming infected.

Officials are urging the public not to handle or feed any birds suspected of being infected, MDAR said. Pet owners should also prevent their dogs from making contact with wild birds.

People can report sick or dead domestic birds by calling 617-626-1795 or online via the Poultry Disease Reporting Form: http://www.mass.gov/forms/poultry-disease-reporting-form.

Also, people can report sick or dead wild birds online at http://www.mass.gov/forms/report-observations-of-dead-wild-birds.

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Canada geese are reportedly dropping dead in Massachusetts, birds testing positive for avian influenza - Boston Herald