Dangerous virus circulating among wild birds

State animal health officials have identified a serious bird illness in Essex County.

The Department of Agricultural Resources said late Tuesday that it has worked with partners to “depopulate” and dispose of a “non- commercial, mixed-species backyard flock” in Essex County after detecting the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza ( HPAI). The illness can spread quickly and lead to a high death rate in different birds, according to the World Health Organization.

“Birds on the affected premises died suddenly without exhibiting any other clinical signs consistent with HPAI and samples tested positive for the disease,” MDAR said in an advisory. “MDAR advises backyard and commercial poultry owners to practice strong biosecurity measures to prevent domestic poultry from having contact with wild birds, their feathers, anddroppings. The HPAI virus is continuing to circulate in the wild bird population, particularly in wild waterfowl.”

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said it’s also received reports about dead and dying wild Canada geese in Essex County in recent days. The birds showed symptoms of the illness, and state officials said test results are pending.

To curb disease risk, officials stressed the importance of restricting domestic birds’ access to ponds, streams and wetland areas that also attract wild waterfowl. Pet owners are urged to ensure their dogs do not have contact with wild birds.

“While humans are rarely infectedwith avian influenza viruses, humans that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are at the most risk of becoming infected,” MDAR said. “Officials are urging the public not to handle or feed any birds suspected of being infected.”