Avian Flu Outbreak Now in Birds in Boston, Brookline Areas, Officials Report
An avian flu outbreak that has killed birds across Massachusetts in recent weeks is believed to have spread to birds in the Boston and Brookline areas.
Brookline officials announced in a press release distributed to Mass Live that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is suspected of killing wild birds along the Olmsted and Riverway Parks.
In collaboration with Boston Park Rangers, the Brookline Department of Public Works is working to establish safety and response protocols, which include patrolling affected areas daily to remove dead and sick birds.
Officials are asking anyone who notices a sick, injured, or dead bird in Brookline to provide the Department of Public Works with as much detail as possible about the bird’s location by calling 617-879-5650 or emailing parks@brooklinema.gov.
Massachusetts health officials warned the public during the week of Jan. 27 that avian flu had become “widespread” among wild bird species in the state. Previously, officials warned the public of infected birds in Amherst and Plymouth.
While the avian flu outbreak persists, pet owners are asked to keep dogs on leashes and cats indoors to avoid infections. Cats are highly susceptible to bird flu and can die from infections. Officials also remind the public to avoid handling birds that appear sick or dead.
According to the release, domesticated and wild bird species can become infected with bird flu. Aquatic birds, raptors, and waterfowl are highly susceptible to infection, although any bird species is considered vulnerable.
For more information about H5N1, visit the state’s avian influenza webpage.
