IT’S an annual disruption for local bird owners every winter, but now news coming from across the ‘Pond’ has raised concerns that avian flu could become a worry for all of us.

The team found that animals that had the virus inoculated directly into their lungs became severely ill, whereas animals that were infected through the nose or oesophagus did not. All animals infected with the virus still shed infectious virus particles, meaning they could infect other animals.

The leading message coming from Bay State officials this week was that people and pets should stay away from sick or dead wild birds. And if they see any, they should report their observations to MassWildlife.

Although cases of bird flu are surging among birds in the UK, the risk of the virus spreading to humans still remains extremely low. A bit of context about influenza explains why health protection agencies think this is the case.

Bird flu is now believed to be widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive, state environmental and health officials said Wednesday.

By India Edwards HealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, Jan. 29, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- A commercial turkey flock in North Carolina has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu,

State officials are working with partners to test suspected cases and collaborating with municipalities to safely dispose of dead birds." The post Bird flu now considered ‘widespread’ in Mass., officials say appeared first on Boston.

The number of bird flu cases in Central Massachusetts is relatively low, compared to a swath of the state that runs from Greater Boston to Southeastern Massachusetts. That message was delivered Wednesday during a virtual update from state health officials on the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus.

Scientists say the temporary freeze on communications from federal officials creates a troubling blind spot for those tracking the virus.