Massachusetts Poultry Farmers Brace for Bird Flu Outbreak
Massachusetts poultry farmers are taking extra precautions against bird flu following reports of virus cases among wild and backyard birds in the state. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has confirmed preliminary positive cases at several locations, leading officials to issue warnings and safety guidelines.
Cases Reported Across Massachusetts
So far, the virus has been linked to the deaths of birds in Plymouth, Boston, and the UMass Amherst campus. Preliminary tests have also shown positive results at other sites, raising concerns among poultry farmers throughout the state.
How the Virus Spreads
According to Ashley Randle, commissioner at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, wild birds are typically carriers of the virus. Domestic poultry can contract the virus through direct contact with infected wild birds or through contaminated water or feed sources.
Low Risk to Humans
While the spread between wild and domestic birds is a concern, authorities emphasize that the risk to humans remains low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for any potential changes. This preparation includes maintaining a stockpile of protective gear, testing supplies, and medications.
So far, the CDC has reported 67 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the U.S., with one fatal case involving an individual with pre-existing health conditions. No human cases have been reported in Massachusetts.
Tips to Stay Safe
Avoid contact with sick or dying wild animals. Persons with prolonged close contact with sick birds are at the highest risk of infection.
Keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife. Cats can become seriously ill if they come into contact with infected birds or feed.
Contain domestic birds.
Report sightings to local animal control or the Department of Agricultural Resources.
Wash your shoes if you walk through animal feces and thoroughly wash your hands. Animal feces can carry various bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
Impact on Businesses
The bird flu outbreak poses significant challenges for poultry farmers like Vincent Frary and his wife, who own Copicut Farms in Dartmouth. They raise a variety of animals on their 67 acres, including 15,000 chickens that produce 90 dozen eggs daily. The couple is cautious about the potential impact of the virus on their business.
Frary discusses one of the best methods to protect their birds: keeping them inside and preventing exposure to wildlife. The Department of Agricultural Resources has been collaborating with local authorities to spread awareness about these crucial safety measures.
Preventive Measures
Other preventive measures recommended by officials include sanitizing footwear before and after entering chicken coops and limiting visitors. In the event that Frary’s chickens become infected, the entire flock could be euthanized, causing him to lose the 180-day poultry growing season.
Frary reflects on the resilience of farmers, acknowledging the difficulty but emphasizing their determination to do what is best to protect their birds.
Past Outbreak Impacts
Poultry farmers have previously faced bird flu outbreaks. Nancy Hubbard, a fifth-generation farmer at Hubbard’s Farm LLC in Princeton, abandoned raising chickens due to the widespread 2022 outbreak. She explains the risk of losing an entire flock if infected birds were sent to slaughterhouses.
Consequences for Consumers
The bird flu outbreak is not limited to farmers; it also affects consumers. Grocery stores face difficulties in stockpiling eggs, driving prices up to nearly $9 per dozen. Ashley Randle attributes this shortage to the impact of the virus on large commercial poultry operations, which affects egg production.
Randle notes that over 137 million birds have been lost from the food supply, including eggs. This loss highlights the widespread disruption caused by the bird flu outbreak.
No Evidence of Infected Cattle
In 2024, bird flu infections were found in dairy cows across various states, leading to concerns among dairy farmers. Some workers also developed infections. To address these worries, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and the Department of Public Health have been testing milk from dairy farms in Massachusetts. Fortunately, no evidence of infected cows has been found in the state.
Prepare and Stay Informed
In light of the ongoing bird flu outbreak, it is essential for both farmers and consumers to stay informed about the latest developments and follow safety guidelines. By taking proactive measures and adhering to recommended precautions, the impact of the bird flu can be minimized.
Call to Action
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