Several groups respond to scene where 60 birds were found deceased in Plymouth with others very sick

In response to a possible avian influenza epidemic on the Billington Sea, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Clean Harbors were present today, along with the Barnstable-based Cape Wildlife Center.

Some birds were acting quite ill, and more than 60 birds were seen dead. The veterinary team helped by capturing and humanely killing birds who were actively exhibiting viral symptoms, as well as by gathering samples for follow-up testing.

Notwithstanding the appalling conditions, the team is hopeful that today’s combined efforts will assist identify the underlying cause of the outbreak and prevent its spread by removing sick and dead birds from the environment.

Please remember to report any sick or dead wild birds you see in your neighborhood to masswildlife by visiting this link: https://www.mass.gov/ /report-observations-of-dead-wild

Use situational hygiene to help protect both you and your pets!

-Avoid handling dead or ill birds.

-keep animals on leashes and away from any wildlife that might be contaminated.

-Use backyard chickens with good biosecurity practices, minimizing their interactions with wild birds.