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. In March of 2024, the USDA announced that they had found HPAI infected cows at a dairy farm in Texas. It is believed that the cattle were infected through exposure to infected wild birds in a spillover event. Since that time, detections of HPAI in livestock have been made at farms in multiple states. Disease spread has been associated with cattle movements as well as shared vehicles, equipment, and personnel. Poultry remain highly susceptible to all versions of the virus. Testing of the US dairy herd is ongoing.
MDAR is advising backyard and commercial poultry owners to practice strong biosecurity measures to prevent domestic poultry from having contact with wild birds, their feathers, and droppings and areas where they frequent. The HPAI virus is continuing to circulate in the wild bird population, particularly in wild waterfowl. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is of critical importance. Letting your flock “free range” poses substantial risk of exposure to HPAI. The consequences can be deadly.
HPAI is suspected of causing increased numbers of deaths of Canada geese, swans, and other wild birds across the state. Evidence suggests that HPAI is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive. State officials are working with partners to test suspected cases and collaborating with municipalities to safely dispose of dead birds.
Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Waterfowl, and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness. Raptors, and wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on dead birds, can also become infected.
Dogs should be leashed and kept away from areas where wild birds congregate or where dead waterfowl have been found. Cat owners in suspect areas should consider keeping their cats indoors. Farm cats should be discouraged from consuming their prey (birds or mice). All cats are particularly susceptible to the virus and should not be fed raw meat or milk.
The risk of humans contracting HPAI from infected birds is very low. Humans that are most at risk of becoming infected are individuals that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds or who have had contact with infected cattle. Monthly bulk milk tank testing of MA dairy cattle herds has found no evidence of infection in our dairy cattle.
For the most up to date HPAI information from USDA
USDA has implemented testing requirements for the interstate movement of lactating dairy cattle in an effort to contain the spread of disease. The order can be found on USDA’s website here:
April 2024
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/dairy-federal-order.pdf
December 2024
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/20241205-federal-order-final.pdf
Guidance for the USDA order can be found here:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/aphis-requirements-recommendations-hpai-livestock.pdf
USDA has provided an FAQ document related to this situation here:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/hpai-dairy-faqs.pdf
REPORT sick or dead birds!
Sick or dead domestic poultry (chickens, turkeys, gamebirds, domestic ducks, etc.) should be reported to Department of Agricultural Resources Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795 or through the Report Sick or Dead Domestic Poultry link (mass.gov/reportpoultry)
Sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Department of Fish and Game Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) using the online form found the Report Sick or Dead Wild Birds link (mass.gov/reportbirds).
Biosecurity Information
MDAR’s Poultry Page for biosecurity resources available in English, Español, Português, 简体中文, Tiếng Việt, عربي, Kriolu di Cabo Verde, Français, Kreyòl ayisyen, ភាសាខ្មែរ, Русский.
Prevent exposure to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus in your Poultry Flock
What is *Poultry vs Non Poultry?
When referencing a HPAI outbreak, the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH) describes poultry flocks as poultry or non poultry.
“WOAH, Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Glossary
POULTRY
means all birds reared or kept in captivity for the production of any commercial animal products or for breeding for this purpose, fighting cocks used for any purpose, and all birds used for restocking supplies of game or for breeding for this purpose, until they are released from captivity.
Birds that are kept in a single household, the products of which are used within the same household exclusively, are not considered poultry, provided that they have no direct or indirect contact with poultry or poultry facilities.
Birds that are kept in captivity for other reasons, including those that are kept for shows, racing, exhibitions, zoological collections and competitions, and for breeding or selling for these purposes, as well as pet birds, are not considered poultry, provided that they have no direct or indirect contact with poultry or poultry facilities.”
Notice to All Veterinarians with Bird-Owning Clients-The Department appreciates your assistance in sharing awareness of HPAI. It is also important however to ensure that poultry including chickens, ducks, geese, and other domestic birds receive veterinary care in a timely fashion. This link contains some suggestions for screening these poultry client’s calls that can guide veterinary practices in their intake protocols.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Response Information
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has worked with its sister agencies and federal partners to develop an emergency response plan for responding to outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Since December of 2021 there have been many HPAI incidents across the United States, including MA. The strains of the HPAI virus that have been identified in the US over the past few years have resulted in some human illness primarily in people working closely with infected birds or dairy cattle. Ongoing, routine testing of domestic poultry is being conducted by MDAR. MA Wildlife and USDA Fish and Wildlife are conducting surveillance in wild bird populations. Bulk milk tank testing in MA continues and to date has shown no evidence of infection in MA dairy cattle herds. MDAR is seeking to educate poultry owners about the risk this virus poses to their birds in hopes that owners will take precautions to prevent their flocks from exposure to the virus and the subsequent consequences if their flock becomes infected.
HPAI is a deadly disease for poultry. It can infect chickens, turkeys, domestic waterfowl, and game birds. HPAI can strike suddenly and spread quickly. Infected poultry may become sick and/or die within hours of becoming infected. The virus can be spread by contact with infected birds or contaminated materials. Cattle movements and shared equipment and personnel can also spread the virus. Poultry are highly susceptible to all strains of the virus.
There are a few simple steps bird owners can take to try to protect their flocks from avian influenza:
- Wild migratory birds are natural carriers for Avian Influenza viruses including HPAI. Preventing wild birds from mixing with or having contact with domestic flocks is essential to disease control and prevention. Poultry owners should assure their birds are kept away from wild birds, particularly wild waterfowl. Poultry owners with water bodies on their property should take steps to mitigate wild waterfowl from frequenting those areas. USDA provides helpful tips on mitigation of water access by wild waterfowl in the attached link. www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/wildlife_damage/fsc-hpai-wildlife-practices-reduce.pdf
- 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 prior to being added into the flock. Birds that are returning home from fairs or shows should also be isolated from the home flock as if they were new arrivals.
- Limit the number of people that have access to your flock.
- Do not share equipment with other bird owners without thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting between locations.
- Create a written biosecurity plan by actually writing down the precautions you take. This will allow others to take the same precautions should someone else need to care for your birds.
Sick birds produce large amounts of virus that contaminates the environment. Exposed birds can rapidly become infected. Timely reporting of sick and dying birds is a critical factor to prevent the virus from spreading to other poultry flocks. 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.
A program has been established by the USDA to compensate flock owners for any animals depopulated as part of the control efforts. The reimbursement does not apply to birds that die of the disease, so it is essential that flock owners notify the Department immediately upon signs of trouble. Owners of fancy or exotic birds should keep receipts and sales records that will help establish the value of your flock.
HPAI can cause a variety of clinical signs including respiratory illness, blue combs and wattles, decreased feed consumption and decreased egg production. In some cases, sudden death has been the only sign.
Any unexpected deaths or other signs of sick birds should be reported immediately to the Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795 or through this online reporting form. Increased numbers of wild bird deaths (5 or more at any one location) should be reported to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife using the online form found at mass.gov/reportbirds. Prompt reporting will expedite rapid testing and diagnosis.
Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI)
Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI), is a respiratory disease of poultry, turkeys, game birds, and waterfowl. Symptoms of low pathogenic AI are typically mild and in many cases not present. The disease, however, can manifest itself through depression, decreased food consumption, respiratory signs (coughing and sneezing), and a decrease in egg production. Some types of LPAI can mutate into HPAI. More information on AI is available on the APHIS Website.
To help prevent the introduction of this disease into Massachusetts the Bureau of Animal Health is:
- Developing protocols for the importation of poultry into Massachusetts based on ongoing disease surveillance
- Participating in the federal surveillance program for Live Bird Markets
- Implementing increased biosecurity at rendering facilities and other poultry and poultry related activities