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Amid a state-wide outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in wild and domestic birds, the Cambridge Department of Public Works has not seen an increase in dead wildlife.
Massachusetts officials warned in a press release last month that the disease has likely spread across the state. There are currently no confirmed cases in humans in Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health co-authored updated guidance on minimizing the spread of HPAI across the state, according to a Jan. 29 release.
“Evidence suggests that HPAI is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive,” the guidance read.
Massachusetts has faced recurring outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus since 2022. An outbreak of HPAI is suspected of causing the death of Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth and Boston last month.
The Cambridge Health Department encouraged residents to avoid “raw” food and keep their pets away from wildlife. The department also advised residents to report sick or dead birds in Cambridge to the state.
Cambridge Department of Public Works staff — who are responsible for handling and disposing of dead animals — have not seen an increase in reports of dead wildlife recently, according to city spokesperson Jeremy H. Warnick.
They added, however, that it was often difficult to pinpoint data because of the array of sources where information is reported. Dead wildlife reported on state property — like parts of the Charles River — could be reported to state agencies instead of DPW.
“Public Works role is to help with safe handling and disposal of the animals,” Warnick wrote. “Flocks experiencing sudden mortality, respiratory symptoms, or swollen heads are requested to contact the Animal Health Department for assistance in submittal of these birds to the laboratory for necropsy.”
HPAI is spread largely by migrating waterfowl. When infected wild waterfowl interact with domestic chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese, the virus can be spread to the domestic birds.
According to MDPH, the public health risk from H5N1 — the current strain of HPAI — is “low,” but public health officials “are maintaining situational awareness and preparing in the event that changes.”
Cases of HPAI were found in dairy cows in multiple states in 2024, and some dairy farm workers developed infections. Massachusetts Department Agricultural Resources and the state Department of Public Health have been collaborating to test milk from dairy farms in Massachusetts since August 2024, and have seen no evidence of infected cattle to date.
There was a reported case of HPAI in a domestic flock in Plymouth County in January. There has never been a reported positive case of bird flu in a commercial poultry operation in Massachusetts.
MDAR continues to conduct HPAI surveillance testing for hundreds of Massachusetts flock owners that sell birds or participate in shows at agricultural fairs and other events.
In instances of five or more dead wild birds in an area, residents are asked to file a report to MassWildlife. Cases in poultry and domestic birds should be reported by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health.
—Staff writer Laurel M. Shugart can be reached at laurel.shugart@thecrimson.com. Follow them on X @laurelmshugart.
—Staff writer Frances Y. Yong can be reached at frances.yong@thecrimson.com. Follow them on X @frances_yong_.
