Avian Flu is a significant and emerging infection. Animals with avian flu have been detected in all 50 states. Avian flu has caused the demise of millions of commercial chickens leading to a decrease in the supply of eggs and raising the cost of eggs. Human infections with avian influenza viruses can happen when virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. Most human infection are mild, but there was a recent death of a man in his 60’s from avian flu who was exposed to a backyard flock of chickens. Human infection can happen when virus is in the air (in droplets, small aerosol particles, or possibly dust) and deposits on the mucus membranes of the eyes or a person breathes it in, or possibly when a person touches something contaminated by viruses and then touches their mouth, eyes or nose. Surfaces can contain avian flu virus if contaminated with animal feces, raw milk, litter, or materials contaminated by birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed avian influenza virus infection.

Reporting domestic birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795 or contact the Animal Control Officer for Peru, Verne Leach.

Handling birds and other wildlife:  Don't touch sick or dead birds, their feces or litter, or any surface or water source (for example, ponds, waterers, buckets, pans, troughs) that might be contaminated with their saliva, feces, or any other bodily fluids without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Keeping pets safe: Pets should always be kept away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife. Cats have also died from avian flu after ingesting raw milk from infected cows..

Hunting geese: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize risk from wildlife diseases by following guidelines on mass.gov for processing wild game.

Avoid the consumption of raw milk or feeding it to other animals.

See your health care provider if you suspect exposure or have developed symptoms of avian flu including: eye redness (conjunctivitis), mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms, pneumonia requiring hospitalization, fever,cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Less common signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizure. As the symptoms for avian flu and influenza are similar testing may be warranted.

For more information see the Mass Dept of Agricultural Resources or the CDC websites.

Peggy White, Chair

Peru Board of Health