Avian Influenza

Background

Avian influenza (also known as avian flu or bird flu) is a naturally occurring viral infection of birds. There are many types of avian influenza viruses. One particular type of avian flu, H5N1, has been spreading rapidly in birds in parts of Asia, Africa and Europe. A small number of human cases of H5N1 have been reported. Avian influenza viruses of any type rarely cause disease in humans. At this time, the H5N1 virus has not been found in birds in Massachusetts or the United States. According to health officials, H5N1 rarely spreads from person to person. If H5N1 avian flu is identified in the United States, the risk of human infection will likely be greater from contact with infected domestic poultry than from contact with wild birds. Almost all human cases of the H5N1 avian flu have involved people with prolonged direct contact with live poultry.

Actions Taken by MassWildlife

With a grant of $40,000 from the US Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services, MassWildlife, will be collecting 400 samples from waterfowl and other migratory birds from June through December of 2006, for purposes of testing for H5N1 avian influenza. Samples will be taken from resident Canada geese and mallard ducks, Long-tailed ducks, Common eider and other migratory birds. These birds have been identified by regional biologists as primary species to monitor for avian influenza. The wild bird sampling procedure is part of a nationwide surveillance effort that involves state and federal wildlife agencies. Samples are being taken from a limited number of birds in different parts of the state and will be tested at a USDA approved lab at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

Guidelines for Reporting Sick or Dying Birds

When three (3) or more sick, dying, or recently dead waterfowl (duck and geese), shorebirds (sandpipers, plovers), or other waterbirds (herons) are found at any single location they should be reported to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife's Westboro Field Headquarters at 508/389-6300 or the USDA/APHIS-Wildlife Services MA/CT/RI Program at 413/253-2403. Agency staff will evaluate the situation and make arrangements for collecting the birds. Events involving other types of dead birds can be reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Information Line at 1-866-MASS-WNV.

More information and an FAQ publication on Avian Influenza (181 K, PDF) may be found at the Mass. Department of Public Health's avian flu website.

Sportsmens Clubs -- Order (or download) a poster "Help Find Avian Influenza" to post at your club facilities! This poster is target to the hunting community as part of a state and national monitoring and surveillance program. More information at the USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services Website.