By Grace Allen

Avian flu has many people in the area concerned. A highly contagious and often fatal disease for domestic birds, it has the potential to wipe out entire flocks within days. The H5N1 strain has spread from wild birds to backyard flocks and even to mammals, including dairy cattle and pets.  

Norfolk-based wildlife rehabber Susan Siegel runs the non-profit Return2Wild, which rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and injured animals. Siegel agreed to answer some questions about the outbreak for readers of Local Town Pages.

Locally, what is the impact of avian flu? What are you seeing?

Since January 1, avian flu has been confirmed or highly suspected as the cause of death for 25 waterfowl (mostly geese), and seven raptors (hawks and owls). One eagle displayed symptoms but could not be captured. These deaths occurred within a 10-mile radius of Norfolk. 

In Norfolk and Wrentham, we know eight geese, four hawks, and one owl succumbed to the disease. There are certainly more deceased animals that we haven’t found. Early on, all deceased animals were tested, but now that we know avian flu is in the state and in our area, they are not testing all casualties. However, deceased eagles and snowy owls are being tested, as the state is closely monitoring the impact to these species of concern.

If you see a sick or deceased eagle or snowy owl, please report it to MassWildlife ([email protected], 508-389-6300) and immediately contact Andrew Vitz, State Ornithologist ([email protected], 508-389-6394).

What advice would you give to pet owners, specifically cat and dog owners?

Cats in particular are highly susceptible to this strain of avian flu. It can be lethal to felines. Domestic cats should be kept indoors as they will prey upon and consume a weakened or deceased bird. They will also bring that virus into your home. 

Dogs can contract avian flu through direct contact--rolling, sniffing, playing with or consuming a bird infected with the virus, whether the bird is dead or alive. Dogs may or may not become ill, although it can be lethal in dogs. My advice would be for dogs to be kept leashed if you are hiking in an area where waterfowl or their excrement is prevalent. You don’t want them tracking goose poop into your house. 

What advice would you give to people who raise chickens or ducks?

Backyard chickens and ducks are sadly very susceptible to bird flu. It’s recommended to keep your flock from free-ranging in areas open to wild birds. Homes with backyard chickens should not have wild bird feeders near their coops. You should wear proper PPE, including an N95 mask, gloves, and gown/clothing cover when handling chickens and their feces. Wash your hands immediately after handling chickens and dispose of your PPE. Wash your clothes if they have come in contact with the birds or their droppings. There is no reported risk to consuming eggs from local growers or farm stands.

If your flock experiences several unexplained deaths, contact our regional USDA official, Ryan Bevilacqua ([email protected]).  Do not dispose of the birds until you are directed to do so.  

How can people protect themselves?

While the risk of human exposure to HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) or H5N1 (the strain) is currently quite low, it can occur in those with direct exposure to concentrated levels of the virus. This means it can occur if handling a flock of infected birds, touching an infected bird/animal without proper PPE, and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus is transmitted (bird to bird, bird to mammal) via inhalation or ingestion of viral particles. It is found in respiratory secretions and feces of infected animals. This is why PPE is necessary when handling infected animals and why handwashing after contact is so important. Avian flu thrives in cold weather, and the colder it is, the longer is survives. In low temperatures, the virus can live on surfaces for days or weeks. It can live on your skin for hours. Washing your hands with soap and water can kill and remove the pathogen. Cleaning surfaces (including fabrics) with household disinfectants is also effective. 

What about backyard birdfeeders? Should people take them down?

Although songbirds could technically be infected, they are not the target of this particular strain. We are not seeing a significant number of infected songbirds. Cleaning your feeders and birdbaths weekly is a great idea, however, to reduce contamination by avian flu or other microbes. The easiest and most effective way to do that is with a 10% bleach solution. Do this outdoors, not in your kitchen sink. Remove any organic matter from the feeder and soak it in a large bucket of water with a cup of disinfecting bleach for 10 minutes. Rinse well and dry. 

What should homeowners do if they find a dead bird in the yard?

If there are one or two birds, you should put on an N95 mask and gloves, place an old towel over the bird, pick up the bird (do not hold it against your clothes) and dispose of it in a double trash bag along with the towel, and place in your outdoor trash barrel. Do not bring it indoors.

If you see five or more deceased birds of any species, they must be reported to MassWildlife: https://www.mass.gov/forms/report-observations-of-dead-wild-birds.  In cases of five or more birds, MassWildlife may want to test them, so follow their directive prior to disposal.  

Who can people call with questions or concerns?

Your local animal control officer is your first point of contact for collection of deceased birds or to report a sick bird. In Norfolk, contact Hilary Cohen ([email protected], 508-528-3206 #7). In Wrentham, contact Lexi Klenk ([email protected], 508-384-2121).

Currently, many wildlife rehabbers will not admit sick birds into their clinics due to the contagious nature of avian flu. Sick birds must go to Tufts Wildlife Clinic in Grafton for evaluation or euthanasia. I am happy to answer questions: [email protected]. 

Is there anything else you think is important for people to know?

Limiting the spread of the virus is of utmost importance. The greater the spread between species, the greater the chance of viral mutation and human impact. It’s important not to leave deceased animals in the environment, as it will contribute to the spread of this disease to birds of prey (raptors), as well as other mammals such as foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and opossums. With wildlife baby season fast approaching, mothers will gladly bring home a dead goose for dinner. That would not be good.

For more information about Return2Wild, visit return2wild.org.