Severe strain of bird flu identified on Cape Cod, four other Mass. counties. What to know.

Heather McCarron, Cape Cod Times
·7 min read

Birds infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, a strain of the avian flu that causes severe symptoms, were recently identified in five Massachusetts counties, according to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Along with its partner agencies, the state agriculture department reports it disposed of two non-commercial, mixed-species backyard flocks exhibiting HPAI symptoms — one on Cape Cod and one in Essex County, which encompasses the North Shore, Cape Ann and points north. The birds did not include any domestic poultry.

"Birds on the affected premises exhibited clinical signs consistent with HPAI and tested positive for the disease," according to the agency's Avian Influenza webpage.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is separately reporting on its Avian Influenza data map that, as of Wednesday, 150 birds were identified with HPAI in Barnstable County, 20 were identified in Essex County, 50 were identified in Bristol County, 20 were identified in Middlesex County and 260 were identified in Berkshire County.

Mass Wildlife in recent days also received reports of dead and dying Canada geese with HPAI symptoms in Essex County and surrounding coastal areas, MDAR reports.

"Several samples have been collected for HPAI testing, and results are pending," the agency said.

No information about which towns the infected birds were found in was provided by state and federal officials.

John Herbert, Mass Audubon director of Bird Conservation, said because wild migratory birds such as Canada geese move around a lot, they can easily spread illness to other areas.

Phu Mai, MDAR communications director, said in a Wednesday email that the agency cannot provide more specific details "due to privacy concerns" but emphasized that the agency is asking that "anyone who suspects HPAI to reach out to the appropriate agency" — MDAR for domestic birds and MassWildlife for wild birds.

What is avian flu?

Avian flu is an illness caused by a family of influenza viruses primarily spread among wild aquatic birds, including Canada geese, swans, wild ducks, sea gulls and other sea birds.

Herbert said HPAI "is a highly pathogenic form of the avian flu," and domesticated poultry — chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese — and game birds, are very susceptible to the illness.

Avian flu viruses are categorized as either Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, according to the CDC, with the former causing mild or no symptoms and the latter causing severe, often fatal symptoms.

"It's just like any virus. The virus has changed and evolved. This one strain (HPAI) has been much more deadly," Herbert said.

According to MDAR, "HPAI can strike suddenly and spread fast," and "infected poultry may die within hours of becoming infected."

Can people contract bird flu?

While people are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses, according to MDAR, it is not unheard of. Those who have "prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI" are at the most risk of becoming infected, the agency said, but also emphasizes "the strains of the HPAI virus that have been identified in the U.S. over the past few years have not been linked to human illness."

In the rare cases of human infection, transmission between people "has been limited, inefficient and not sustained," according to the state Department of Public Health.

Even so, state officials urge people not to handle or feed any birds suspected of being infected.

Bird flu symptoms in people are similar to the seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Less common signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures.

Can my pets get avian flu?

Pets that eat infected dead or alive wild birds or that are exposed to environments where there may be high concentrations of the virus have occasionally been known to develop avian flu, according to the CDC, but the likelihood is low. Other mammals, such as foxes, skunks, bears, and even sea lions, have been known to contract the virus in similar ways, though it's also uncommon.

The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that "captive or pet birds with access to the outdoors, where they could be exposed to infected wild birds," may get the avian flu as well, so contact with wild birds should be prevented.

Can I get avian flu from my pets?

According to the CDC, it is unlikely for people to get avian flu from an infected pet, but not impossible.

"If your pet is showing signs of illness compatible with bird flu virus infection and has been exposed to infected (sick or dead) wild birds/poultry, you should monitor your health for signs of fever or infection," the agency advises.

Can birds at my birdfeeder carry avian flu?

The CDC notes that "most common songbirds or other birds found in the yard, such as cardinals, robins, sparrows, blue jays, crows, or pigeons, do not usually carry bird flu viruses that are dangerous to poultry or people."

Even so, usual death events of more than five birds in one location should be reported.

What are the symptoms of avian flu in birds, and how does it spread?

Symptoms of avian flu in infected birds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, may include:

  • Sudden death without clinical signs

  • Lack of energy and appetite

  • Decreased egg production or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs

  • Swelling of head, comb, eyelid, wattles and hocks

  • Purple discoloration of wattles, comb and legs

  • Nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing;

  • Incoordination

  • Diarrhea.

The virus is spread through saliva, feces and nasal secretions.

How do I protect my poultry from avian flu?

Here are some tips from MDAR to prevent domestic poultry from having contact with wild birds, their feathers and droppings.

  • Poultry owners should keep their birds away from wild birds, particularly wild waterfowl.

  • Poultry owners with bodies of water on their property should discourage wild waterfowl from frequenting those areas. USDA provides tips here:www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/wildlife_damage/fsc-hpai-wildlife-practices-reduce.pdf

  • Eliminate standing water and prevent domestic birds from accessing ponds, streams and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl.

  • Avoid unnecessary movement of poultry between locations and be aware of the potential to carry HPAI-contaminated materials onto properties where birds are kept.

  • New birds should be completely isolated for at least one month before joining the flock. Birds returning home from fairs or shows should also be isolated.

  • Limit the number of people with access to your flock.

  • Do not share equipment with other bird owners without thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting between locations.

  • Create a written biosecurity plan detailing the precautions you take. This will allow others to take the same precautions should someone else need to care for your birds.

How do I report sick, dead or dying domestic or wild birds?

The public is asked to report sick, dead or dying domestic or wild birds. The behavior of birds can indicate illness, Herbert said, noting the virus "affects their neurological ability, so if they are acting kind of funny, not flying, or having trouble flying that's a sign before they die."

Large groups of dead birds are also an indication of the virus, he said.

Since sick birds produce large amounts of virus that contaminate the environment, and exposed birds can rapidly become infected, timely reporting is critical to preventing spread of the virus. Once a flock is tested and confirmed as infected with HPAI, any remaining birds will need to be humanely euthanized to control the spread of the disease.

  • When reporting wild birds, report observations of any sick, injured, or deceased seabirds.

  • For other species of wild birds, such as songbirds, only report observations of five or more birds found at a single location.

Heather McCarron writes about climate change, environment, energy, science and the natural world. Reach her at hmccarron@capecodonline.com, or follow her on X @HMcCarron_CCT

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Severe strain of bird flu in Cape Cod, Bristol, Essex, Middlesex