Avian influenza is present on Cape Cod. It’s important to be aware of the prevalence of this virus, and to take necessary precautions prior to handling sick or injured wild birds, and for keeping your backyard poultry safe. Wild Care wildlife rehabilitation hospital in Eastham is working closely with the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (known as MassWildlife) to report cases that come to the facility on a daily basis.

First, please download Wild Care's avian flu fact sheet at https://www.wildcarecapecod.org/get-all-the-facts-about-bird-flu-on-cape-cod/.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also called "bird flu" — specifically, the H5 strain — was detected on Cape Cod in two Canada geese brought to Wild Care in February from separate locations in Wellfleet. These were the first two documented cases of HPAI in wild birds in Massachusetts this year. (The two geese were euthanized and their bodies were sent to a wildlife health center and laboratory in Wisconsin for analysis.)    

HPAI is caused by a virus that exists naturally in birds. In particular, the virus is affecting waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, gulls and American crows. Wild Care is receiving sick birds on a daily basis. Only 20% of the bird population will exhibit symptoms. Symptoms include lack of energy, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, swelling to parts of the body, lack of coordination and sometimes sudden death. It is a serious disease requiring rapid response, and humane euthanasia of sick birds.

While bird flu does not pose an immediate threat to people, it spreads rapidly among wild birds, poultry and domestic birds. The disease is spread through the ingestion or inhalation of saliva, nasal secretions and feces of infected birds. There have been no documented cases of HPAI in humans in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though rare, humans can contract the virus, and precautions should always be taken. Symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from no symptoms to mild illness, conjunctivitis, mild flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and shortness of breath. Monitor your health for any symptoms within a week of handling wild birds, or sick poultry, and consult your health care provider with questions.

MassWildlife has not advised against feeding backyard birds at this time. While maintaining a backyard bird feeder or birdbath, it is best to wear latex gloves, a face mask and goggles while handling or cleaning these items. It is good practice, in general, to clean your feeders and baths on a weekly basis with a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) to avoid the spread of disease. Rinse well and allow to air-dry before refilling.

If you find a sick or injured bird, here's what to do: sick or deceased birds should be reported to MassWildlife at 508-389-6300. If you are local and have found a sick or injured wild bird, please call Wild Care at 508-240-2255 first, prior to containing and transporting it to us. When handling wild birds, wear gloves, masks and safety goggles. Avoid touching your face. Do not drink, eat or smoke or touch objects with gloves on. Wash hands thoroughly for 30 seconds after removing gloves. Wash clothes in warm water and use a bleach foot bath. Avoid visiting poultry after handling wild birds.

For chickens kept at home, keep visitors to a minimum. Wash hands and wear disposable boots. Implement a disinfectant foot bath for all entrance and exit locations of your coop. Clean and disinfect tools or equipment. Look for signs of illness and report sick birds immediately. Do not wait. If your birds (poultry) are sick or dying, call a local or state veterinarian, or contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture toll-free at 866-536-7593. Sick or dead domestic birds (chickens, turkeys, gamebirds, domestic ducks, etc.) should also be reported to state Department of Agricultural Resources Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795.

Visit the USDA “Defend The Flock” page for more information on keeping your backyard poultry safe, at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program

Bird migration has commenced. We are deeply concerned about the continuous spread of the virus and what this means for avian populations, and also the threat it poses to backyard poultry and domestic birds. We will continue to work with MassWildlife and to receive sick wild birds at our facility so that they are removed from the environment. We are following strict internal protocols to keep our resident bird patients, our staff and our volunteers safe at this time.

Stephanie Ellis is the executive director of Wild Care, Inc. Wild Care is a wildlife rehabilitation hospital in Eastham dedicated to the care of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife for release back into the wild.

Please check the following sources for updates:

MassWildlife: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/avian-flu

U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/home/

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm