By Lisa Gentes-Hunt

Local officials are advising the Franklin and Bellingham communities to remain vigilant to protect themselves and their livestock from the bird flu.

Although there have been no known cases of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 virus (commonly known as the bird flu) there have been confirmed cases in the state. In January, state officials confirmed HPAI hit a backyard, non-commercial flock in Plymouth County, according to the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources.

“Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Raptors, waterfowl, and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible,” the Massachusetts Department of Public Health stated in its recent news advisory. “Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness. Wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds, such as foxes, can also become infected.” 

As of February 14, no known cases of bird flu had been reported in Franklin or Bellingham, according to local health officials. 

However, health officials still want the community to remain vigilant and take proper precautions.

The Town of Franklin’s Director of Public Health advised farmers and residents to take sanitary precautions to keep themselves and their livestock healthy.

“As long as there is biosecurity, and if they’re taking good care and keeping their flock in, not let ting them roam freely and not near other wild birds, feathers or droppings and things like that…they should have a healthy flock,” Cathleen Liberty, Franklin’s Director of Public Health, said. 

Liberty noted that maintaining proper sanitary practices is key to avoiding any outbreaks.  

“Having the one flock in Plymouth County with the bird flu does bring attention to the fact that any wild bird can be carrying this flu, so it’s important for local farmers and residents to remain highly vigilant,” she stated. 

Dylan Labonte, the Health Agent for the Town of Bellingham, said it’s a good idea for folks that keep turkeys, chickens, geese and ducks to know the basic symptoms of this bird flu. 

“The basic symptoms are lethargy, decreased appetites and strange movements, decreased egg production for hens and any sudden deaths,” Labonte said. “These are telltale signs that something is wrong, so know the symptoms and monitor the birds for them.”

“The general consensus is to be responsible and to monitor your situation,” Labonte stated. “If you keep chickens, monitor their symptoms and at the end of the day if anyone starts to feel symptomatic, get checked out. We would rather be safe than contract avoidable disease. 

Just protect yourself.” 

Both Labonte and Liberty advised residents to wash any eggs prior to consumption.

“Make sure you wash the shell well and cook the eggs to (proper) temperature, along with any meat or poultry, so they are safe to eat,” Liberty stated. 

However, if there’s a suspicion of a bird flu infection, discard those eggs and notify officials immediately, Labonte said. 

In terms of raw milk that is being sold, “it’s not being tested and the Board of Health does not recommend drinking this at this time,” Liberty stated. 

“Non domestic flocks are not pets,” she stated. “Proper sanitation and handwashing is key to avian flu prevention and salmonella prevention as well.” 

Anyone that needs to report a suspected case of bird flu in poultry can go to mass.gov/reportpoultry or call the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources at (617) 626-1795.