Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in Massachusetts; Animal Health Officials Depopulate Affected Backyard Flocks

According to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, a highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI) virus was picked up in backyard poultry.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Picked Up

A flock of backyard and non-commercial poultry in Essex County was recently culled by the department. This came after the birds were found to positively test for HPAI, which the US Department of Agriculture reports to rapidly spread and lead to fatality in turkeys and chickens.

This marks the second time in 2024 that the virus has been picked up in Massachusetts backyard poultry. The first case was picked up in January in a domesticated flock in the County of Barnstable.

The virus has been spreading in the wild bird population of the state, notably among waterfowl. With this, the department urges backyard and commercial poultry owners to actively stop their flocks from getting into contact with wild birds and their feces and feathers.

The department notes that giving domesticated flocks the freedom to roam poses elevated and great risk to HPAI exposure. This should be avoided, as the consequences could be fatal.

Authorities also advise the elimination of standing water and the prevention of wild waterfowl-attracting ponds, wetlands, and stream access for domesticated birds. It also requests that residents report cases of wild or backyard birds dying due to HPAI.

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

According to the Department of Agricultural Resources, the two flocks displayed HPAI clinical signs. These symptoms include lack of appetite and energy, sudden death, decreased production of eggs, misshapen or soft-shelled eggs, swelling of the hocks, wattles, eyelids, combs, and heads, wattle discoloration, nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, diarrhea, and incoordination.

Avian influenza is a viral infection that can be observed in domestic poultry and other birds. Highly pathogenic strains could lead to grave organ failure and imminent death. These typically have high mortality rates.

HPAI surfaces from the mutation of certain H7 and H5 LPAI (low-pathogenicity avian influenza) viruses. To eliminate such HPAI viruses, stamping-out programs have been used successfully. However, areas with limited resources could utilize management and vaccine strategies to control the spread rather than eliminate it.

Can HPAI Infect Humans?

In most cases, avian influenza viruses are not zoonotic diseases. However, there are certain HPAI strains that can potentially infect humans and pose public health threats. The primary risk factor is exposure, whether direct or indirect, to animals that are infected or surfaces and environments that have been contaminated by infected animals' feces. Handling carcasses of infected poultry, plucking, and preparing poultry to be consumed could also be considered risk factors.

When humans get infected with avian influenza, symptoms may vary in terms of severity. They could range from mild upper respiratory tract infection and shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, or even death.