Beware: Avian flu has been found in backyard birds in Essex County

A flock of birds contracted avian flu and died suddenly without exhibiting any symptoms in Essex County, according to state officials.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Division of Animal Health announced Tuesday that the non commercial, mixed-species backyard (non-poultry) flock tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

With this in mind, the agency advises poultry owners — both backyard and commercial — to take extra measures to prevent domestic poultry from having contact with wild birds, as well as their feathers and droppings. The avian flu has been circulating among the wild bird population, especially in wild waterfowl, the department noted.

“Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is of critical importance,” the agency added.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has also received a number of reports of dead or dying wild Canada geese in Essex County and the surrounding coastal areas, the release noted. Sample testing results are still pending, but the birds reportedly displayed symptoms consistent with the avian flu.

“While humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses, humans that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are at the most risk of becoming infected,” state officials noted in the release, adding that people should not handle or feed any birds suspected of being infected.

Dog owners should also remain alert and prevent their dogs from making contact with any wild birds, state officials said.

Last month, the Division of Animal Health reported avian flu cases in Barnstable County.

State officials continue to encourage members of the public to report any sick or dead birds they see. For cases involving domestic birds, fill out a poultry disease reporting form. For wild birds, submit a report with MassWildlife.

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