Avian flu outbreak suspected as the reason for demise for birds present in Plymouth

Over 60 Canada geese, swans, and geese had been discovered lifeless in Plymouth, state officers mentioned Sunday, suspecting the trigger to be extremely pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI.

The outbreak occurred at Billington Sea pond, with smaller outbreaks of HPAI being reported in different elements of the state. The virus not often infects folks, however MassWildlife, the Division of Agricultural Sources, and the Division of Public Well being are advising the general public to not deal with birds or different animals which are lifeless or seem sick, based on a MassWildlife press launch.

Officers have been responding to the outbreaks by accumulating and testing lifeless birds earlier than safely disposing of them. Avian flu can have an effect on each wild and domesticated birds in addition to raptors and waterfowl, officers mentioned. Wild mammals comparable to foxes may grow to be contaminated, and birds could also be contaminated with avian flu with out displaying signs.

Although avian flu not often infects people, extended publicity to sick or lifeless birds places folks at the next danger of an infection, officers mentioned.

The Cape Wildlife Middle was on the scene aiding with the response to the Billington Sea outbreak by accumulating samples for testing and euthanizing birds that had been affected by avian flu.

“Whereas this isn’t a scenario anybody desires to be in, we hope that right now’s collective efforts have a optimistic affect by serving to to raised perceive the foundation reason for this outbreak and by eradicating sick and deceased birds from the atmosphere to cut back additional unfold,” the wildlife middle mentioned in a Fb publish.

The general public can help officers with dealing with outbreaks by reporting teams of untamed or home birds which are lifeless or seem sick. The general public may keep protected by avoiding dealing with wildlife, consuming wild sport meat, and conserving their pets away from wildlife, officers mentioned.