Massachusetts has been dealing with an ongoing outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 virus since early 2022. The H5N1 virus is affecting wild and domestic bird populations across the country.

Jan 29, 2025 · BOSTON — State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, which rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of death in cases of both wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts municipalities. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources ...

1 day ago · Evidence suggests that Bird Flu (HPAI-H5N1) is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in areas where there has not been a confirmed positive case. ... State Officials have provided Updated Guidance on Suspected Avian Flu Cases Reported Across MA. Below are some other helpful tips: Do not feed or allow your dog near waterfowl ...

1 day ago · Dr. Catherine Brown, Massachusetts state epidemiologist, and Ashley Randle, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, joined GBH’s All Things Considered host Arun Rath to break down the avian flu outbreak in Massachusetts and across the country. What follows is a lightly edited transcript.

Jan 30, 2025 · The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, and Massachusetts Department of Public Health said Wednesday that the highly pathogenic avian influenza ...

Avian influenza refers to influenza (flu) Type A viruses that are adapted to avians (birds). These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds (such as ducks and geese) worldwide and can infect domestic poultry (like chickens and turkeys) as well as other bird and animal species.

14 hours ago · HPAI on Cape Cod: According to MassWildlife, evidence suggests Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza "widespread in Massachusetts." The agency reports "preliminary positive cases" in Barnstable, Yarmouth.

Jan 28, 2025 · Officials suspect the virus lead to the deaths of birds in Plymouth, Boston and the UMass Amherst campus. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said preliminary positive cases have also been reported at other locations. Avian influenza, scientifically known as H5N1, mainly infects wild birds and can be hard to contain.

4 days ago · The current strain of the avian influenza H5N1 virus arrived in the United States in late 2021 and Massachusetts has seen "periodic outbreaks" since then, according to Vitz.

Jan 19, 2025 · PLYMOUTH — State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which very rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of over 60 deceased Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the ...