On 01/19/2025 the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) issued a press release informing the public that the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which rarely infects humans, is the suspected cause of of death of over 60 Canada geese, swans and other birds in Plymouth.
Massachusetts state and environmental health officials have issued advisories to the public to refrain from handling dead or sick birds and other animals.
The town of Hingham is encouraging our residents to:
- Avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animals. Report sightings of sick or deceased wild birds to: mass.gov/reportbirds and sick or dead domestic poultry to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) at (617) 626-1795
- Keep your pets safe by keeping them away from wildlife. Cats should be kept indoors at this time as they are highly susceptible to HPAI infection and may die from an infection.
- Hunters should follow best practices for handling and processing game as recommended by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Links to the MA DPH Press release and the MDAR info sheet on “Protecting Your Backyard Flock” are included below.
https://www.mass.gov/news/state-officials-suspect-hpai-outbreak-impacting-geese-and-other-wildlife
https://www.mass.gov/doc/biosecurity-for-your-backyard-flock-0/download