'Highly Pathogenic' Avian Flu Found In MA Birds

NATICK, MA — State agriculture officials are warning residents and business owners about a new avian flu that has recently been detected in the state.

The virus, called highly pathogenic avian influenza, could threaten agricultural operations in the state, and people who keep backyard poultry flocks. The virus has so far only been detected in wild birds across the state, according to the state Department of Agricultural Resources.

"Based on detections in birds in multiple locations in Massachusetts and surrounding states, HPAI appears to be generally present in the Massachusetts wild bird population. Waterbirds including shore birds and water fowl, especially dabbling ducks like mallards, are most likely to carry the HPAI virus. Keep wild birds away from your flock," the state said in a March 3 bulletin.

The state has outlined a set of precautions poultry owners can take to prevent the spread of the virus.

Agriculture officials have detected the virus in at least eight states in the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed an outbreak on Friday in a flock of broiler chickens in Missouri. An outbreak in a backyard flock was confirmed in Michigan in late February.

This strain of avian influenza, Eurasian H5, has not been detected in humans in the U.S. in 2022, according to the USDA. Cooking poultry meat and eggs to at least 165 degrees kills the virus and other pathogens.