Massachusetts authorities have announced a significant and alarming outbreak of avian influenza, widely known as bird flu, affecting both wild and domestic birds throughout the state. On January 30, 2025, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed the presence of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, raising serious concerns about public health and wildlife safety.
According to reports, the virus has likely killed between 500 and 1,000 wild birds across numerous municipalities, and officials believe the actual number may be much higher, noting many instances likely go unreported by the public. "Surveillance testing of individual dead birds indicates the virus is widespread among our wild water birds," stated Andrew Vitz, state ornithologist at MassWildlife. The current outbreak is described as the state's largest, primarily affecting the Boston area and southeast Massachusetts.
Officials advised residents to avoid handling birds or other animals appearing sick or dead. The risk of human infection remains low; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported no confirmed cases of avian flu transmission to humans locally. Catherine Brown, the state epidemiologist, emphasized, "This is an animal virus right now... it is not mutated in a way where it can infect people easily." While direct contact with infected animals poses the highest risk, the general public is still encouraged to exercise caution.
Local health authorities have taken measures to inform residents about the potential dangers posed by the virus. Signs discouraging feeding or touching birds have been placed throughout public parks, such as Boston's Emerald Necklace. Municipalities like Brockton have even closed parks due to bird flu concerns. "Please do not touch dead or sick/injured birds," instructed Brockton officials, reminding residents to report any sightings of five or more sick or deceased birds.
The avian influenza virus has been associated with previous outbreaks dating back to early 2022. Massachusetts health officials had previously linked the virus to the deaths of Canada geese, swans, and ducks, indicating its chilling re-emergence. With H5N1 having been detected recently among both wild and domestic bird populations, it poses risks not only to birds but also to mammals, including scavengers such as foxes.
Another significant factor is the impact on poultry farms. The spread of the virus has already resulted in the culling of millions of infected birds across the country, severely reducing the poultry supply and contributing to soaring egg prices. Reports suggest the virus's presence has also been found in dairy cattle, raising concerns about the broader agricultural sector.
For residents who own poultry, authorities recommend strict biosecurity measures. They advise keeping domestic flocks indoors and preventing contact with wild birds. Ashley Randle, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, highlighted the importance of keeping poultry separated from outdoor bird populations.
Public health officials remind everyone to remain vigilant and to monitor for symptoms of avian influenza, which include fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, and particularly red eyes—key indicators of the illness. Dr. Scott Hadland from Mass. General for Children's urged families to maintain distance from dead birds and keep pets restrained.
Though no human cases have been reported within Massachusetts, the CDC noted 67 confirmed human cases nationwide, with one unfortunate fatality linked to backyard poultry exposure in Louisiana. Most cases have presented with mild symptoms, and public health officials assert there is currently no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission.
The situation remains fluid as state officials monitor bird populations and respond to new reports of illness. They have emphasized the need for community involvement, urging residents to report any observations of sick or dead birds. "We feel like awareness is the right approach as opposed to alarm," Dr. Brown remarked, advising the public to stay informed and safe.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health continues to collaborate with agencies to test suspected cases and respond effectively to outbreaks as they arise, seeking to curb the spread of HPAI and protect both animal and human health.