Bird flu outbreak threatens wildlife in Massachusetts
- Residents in Plymouth report a significant rise in dead geese at Billington Sea, impacting local wildlife and raising health concerns.
- State officials declare bird flu to be widespread in Massachusetts, advising the public on reporting procedures and safe handling of dead birds.
- The ongoing situation emphasizes the need for urgent cleanup and preventive measures to protect both wildlife and residents.
In late January 2025, residents in Plymouth, Massachusetts, have been deeply concerned about a recent outbreak of bird flu impacting local wildlife. Over the past two weeks, authorities cleared nearly 60 dead geese from the Billington Sea, but residents report that new deaths have been occurring since then, with many birds washing ashore daily. Colleen Vissa, a local resident, expressed her anxiety over the dead animals affecting the safety of drinking water and the health of her pet dogs. Residents feel they have not received adequate responses from health departments regarding the cleanup of the dead animals. State health and environmental officials announced that bird flu, known formally as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is currently widespread in Massachusetts, affecting multiple municipalities. The situation appears critical, particularly for raptors and aquatic birds, which are most susceptible to the disease. Despite the apparent risks, officials haven't provided a definitive timeline for cleanup efforts for the dead birds or comprehensive guidance for residents on how to manage the situation. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, along with the Department of Public Health, recommends that residents avoid handling sick or dead birds and report sightings to the appropriate authorities, particularly when there are five or more deceased birds in a specific area. The agencies are encouraging localized efforts to safely test and dispose of the affected birds, shedding light on the potential health risks not only for birds but also for wild mammals scavenging the carcasses. Massachusetts has seen intermittent outbreaks of bird flu since early 2022, with increased concern since early January 2025, when numerous cases of sick and dead birds, including Canada geese and swans, were reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated a rise in human infections from bird flu during the same timeframe, primarily affecting poultry workers. The public health risk remains low, as human-to-human transmission has not been reported, yet the implications for wildlife and local ecosystems continue to worry both authorities and residents alike.