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Beware the birds: Bird flu confirmed in Boston
Health officials say the risk to the public remains low after infected birds were confirmed in the Emerald Necklace.
Bird flu has been confirmed in part of Boston’s park system, prompting a public health advisory this week.
The Boston Public Health Commission said the virus, also known as avian influenza, was detected in the Emerald Necklace, a 1,100-acre chain of parks spanning Boston and Brookline.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the commission said that the risk to the general public is low but urged residents to avoid contact with wildlife.
“Highly pathogenic avian flu, or bird flu, has been confirmed in the Emerald Necklace,” the agency wrote. “Risk of human infection is currently low. As always, please do not feed, touch, or remove birds from Boston parks.”
Though the virus often causes mild to moderate symptoms in humans, it can also be fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 71 confirmed human cases of bird flu since February 2024, with two reported 2 deaths.
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Symptoms can mimic the seasonal flu and often include eye redness and irritation, which has been the most common symptom in recent U.S. cases, according to the CDC. Many patients also experience fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and fatigue.
Bird flu has been present in Massachusetts wildlife for several years, with outbreaks and detections in wild birds since early 2022, according to CDC data. Last January, state health officials said bird flu was considered widespread, with workers collecting hundreds of dead birds.
Birds can shed the virus in saliva, mucous, and feces, and people with close or prolonged exposure, such as agricultural or wildlife workers, are at higher risk of infection. The CDC recommends people avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and use personal protective equipment if they must come into contact with them or contaminated surfaces.
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Health officials are asking residents to report sick, injured, or dead birds at mass.gov/reportbirds or call 311.
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