DUKES COUNTY, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and its partner agencies safely depopulated and disposed of a backyard flock of chickens in Dukes County due to the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

The affected birds exhibited clinical signs consistent with HPAI and tested positive for the disease. MDAR officials did not find any evidence of contaminated products that were distributed.

MDAR is advising backyard and commercial poultry owners to practice strong biosecurity measures to prevent domestic poultry from having contact with wild birds since the HPAI virus is continuing to circulate in the wild bird population. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is of critical importance. Allowing domestic flocks to have "free range" poses substantial risk of exposure to HPAI. The consequences can be deadly.

Raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible to the disease. Poultry is highly susceptible to this virus and suffers extremely high mortality rates. Poultry becomes infected after coming into contact with wild birds, their feathers, droppings, and any areas they frequent.

While seasonal influenza is on the rise in Massachusetts, it is different from Avian Influenza, which rarely infects humans. To date, there have been no reported cases of HPAI in humans in Massachusetts, and there is minimal risk for those who do not engage in prolonged direct contact with infected animals.

MDAR urges flock owners and the public to practice the following guidance to ensure enhanced biosecurity measures:

• Reporting domestic birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry online at www.mass.gov/reportpoultry.
• Reporting wild birds: The public should report observations of 5 or more sick/dead wild birds found at a single location at www.mass.gov/reportbirds.
• Handling birds and other wildlife: The public should avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animals.
• Protecting poultry: Owners should keep birds indoors or in covered pens, avoid tracking dirt/feces into coops, and prevent contact with wild birds.
• Keeping pets safe: Pets should always be kept away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife. Animal health officials also recommend leashing dogs and not feeding pets "raw diets".

State and local agencies continue to coordinate disease surveillance across the Commonwealth. Consistent with MDAR and USDA policy, affected flocks are reported by county only. HPAI risk to flocks is from wild birds, particularly wild waterfowl (geese, swans, ducks), which do not respect town or property lines.

For more information, visit the following link to access an FAQ on Avian Flu that was created by MDAR, the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health: https://www.mass.gov/lists/frequently-asked-questions-about-avian-flu