Around New England

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected In Massachusetts

March 7, 2024

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is in Massachusetts.

The virus has been detected in Essex County, according to a press release from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Division of Animal Health. 

“MDAR recently depopulated and disposed of a non-commercial, backyard flock (poultry) in Essex County, Massachusetts, due to HPAI,” the state agency said in a written statement. “Birds on the affected premises exhibited clinical signs consistent with HPAI, and samples tested positive for the disease.”

Here is what state agriculture officials suggest people do to minimize their risk of contracting the bird virus:

MDAR urges backyard and commercial poultry owners to practice strong biosecurity measures to prevent domestic poultry from coming into contact with wild birds, their feathers, and droppings. The HPAI virus is circulating in the wild bird population, particularly in wild waterfowl. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is critical. Allowing domesticated flocks the ability to roam freely poses substantial and elevated risk of exposure to HPAI and should be avoided or the consequences can be deadly.

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