Officials in Plymouth, Massachusetts, are investigating the suspected cause behind the deaths of over 60 birds discovered at Billington Sea on Sunday morning.
The birds, including geese, swans, and other wildlife, were found dead around the pond, and state officials have indicated that they may have succumbed to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, working in conjunction with waste management teams from Clean Harbor, removed the deceased birds. Earlier in the weekend, the state ornithologist had identified a dead goose as “highly suspected” of having avian influenza, though definitive confirmation is still pending.
Since the US has only one laboratory capable of officially confirming bird flu cases, it may take up to a week for the results to be finalized. In the meantime, local and state officials have begun testing the removed birds to determine their cause of death.
While awaiting lab results, officials are urging the public to avoid contact with sick or deceased wild birds and other potentially infected animals. Those handling wildlife are advised to take protective measures to prevent exposure. Poultry owners are also being cautioned to keep their birds separated from wild waterfowl and follow strict biosecurity practices to reduce the risk of infection.
Plymouth Public Health Director Karen Keane emphasized the importance of limiting access to poultry flocks, disinfecting shared equipment, and preventing contact with wild birds. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that human infections of avian flu are rare, there have been isolated cases, and safety precautions remain crucial. In 2024 alone, there have been 67 confirmed human cases of bird flu, though these are mostly among those working with poultry.
Massachusetts is not alone in dealing with the ongoing avian influenza threat. In other parts of the US, the virus has been detected in both wild and domestic bird populations. The CDC has implemented measures to expedite testing of hospitalized influenza patients to identify avian flu cases more quickly, particularly during the flu season.
In Georgia, a commercial poultry farm was recently affected by bird flu, prompting quarantine measures and widespread testing to prevent further spread. Nationwide, millions of birds have been impacted by the virus, and additional human cases, while rare, have raised concerns.
With input from the Associated Press and FOX News.
