Canada geese are reportedly dropping dead in parts of the Bay State, as the bird flu virus spreads around the region.
MassWildlife over the past few days has gotten reports of dead and dying Canada geese in Essex County and the surrounding coastal areas.
These wild birds showed symptoms that are in line with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Several samples have been collected for bird flu testing, and results are pending.
This comes as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been detected in Essex County, according to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Division of Animal Health.
State agencies have depopulated and disposed of a non-commercial, mixed-species backyard flock (non-poultry) in Essex County due to the virus. Birds at the site died suddenly without exhibiting any other clinical signs consistent with the virus, and samples tested positive for the disease.
“MDAR advises backyard and commercial poultry owners to practice strong biosecurity measures to prevent domestic poultry from having contact with wild birds, their feathers, and droppings,” the state agency said.