AMHERST, Mass. — Two Canada geese found on the campus of UMass Amherst have tested positive for bird flu.
According to the University, the geese tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), (H5N1) which is the first known positive test on campus.
HPAI was first identified in wild birds in the state in early 2022 and was found in Plymouth this weekend.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that the current, national HPAI outbreak is primarily an animal health issue that poses relatively low risk to the general public.
The university has placed signs near the Campus Pond warning visitors to avoid feeding or touching geese.
In Plymouth, 60 dead geese were found over the weekend and another 10 to 15 birds died at Billington Sea.
UMass officials want the community to know that sick or deceased birds found on campus can be reported to UMass Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 413-545-2682.
Members of MassWildlife, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) have advised the public to:
- Strictly avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animals.
- Follow the best practices of hunting geese while handling and processing wild game.
- Keeping pets safe and 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.
For more information on bird flu and how to monitor possible outbreaks, visit the link here.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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