Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Update 1-12-24 The MA Department of Agricultural Resources and its partner agencies have depopulated and disposed of a non-commercial, mixed-species backyard flock (non-poultry) in Barnstable County, Massachusetts due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Birds on the affected premise exhibited clinical signs consistent with HPAI and tested positive for the disease. MDAR is advising 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 HPAI virus is continuing to circulate in the wild bird population, particularly in wild waterfowl. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is of critical importance. Visit MDAR’s Poultry Page for biosecurity resources: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/poultry-program REPORT sick or dead birds Domestic: 617-626-1795 or online Poultry Disease Reporting Form: https://www.mass.gov/forms/poultry-disease-reporting-form Wild: Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) https://www.mass.gov/forms/report-observations-of-dead-wild-birds Visit USDA’s 2022-2023 HPAI Detection Page for information on cases in Wild birds, Domestic poultry and Mammals:https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai |