Brookline Public Works Advising Community About Bird Flu

BROOKLINE, MA — The Department of Public Health and Human Services has shared safety information with residents about the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza after wild birds were found to be infected at the nearby riverway and Olmsted Parks.

The DPW worked with Mass Wildlife, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, and Massachusetts Department of Public Health to craft proper response protocols to distribute to the community.

The groups are urging people not to contact wild birds in any capacity. In addition, they are especially advising people to keep pets away from them.

“Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent exposure to infected wildlife,” The DPW said in a press release.

If a Brookline resident encounters a sick, injured, or dead wild bird, they are being asked to contact the DPW at 617-879-5650. State officials are continuously working with partners to test suspected cases and collaborating with municipalities to safely dispose of dead birds.