DEERFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Animal control officers and public health agents in Franklin County are releasing general public guidance as bird flu (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) continues to pose a threat to domestic and wild flocks.
Deerfield’s public health agent Ned Saviski is advising against handling sick or dead birds and to report the case to Mass Wildlife. Saviski also said bird flu is not a risk to food safety, poultry and eggs handled safely and cooked to 165 degrees are safe to eat.
Advice from Saviski on handling sick or dead birds:
What to do if you encounter a sick or dead bird:
Avoid handling sick or dead birds. Instead, call your state wildlife health agency; they can determine cause of death and send the bird to the appropriate lab for testing. Additionally, keep pets (including pet birds) away from sick or dead wild birds.
• Avoid contact with birds that appear sick or have died
• Avoid contact with surfaces that have bird feces
• If you must touch sick or dead birds: Wear gloves and a face mask. Place dead birds in a double-bagged garbage bag. Throw away your gloves and facemask after use. Wash your hands well with soap and warm water
If you feel sick after having contact with sick or dead birds, contact your health care provider.
Dead or sick wild birds should be reported to Mass Wildlife at 508-389-6300 and/or MA Dept. of Agriculture 617-626-1795, and cases of sick or dead domestic poultry
Online reporting form for wild birds: https://www.mass.gov/forms/report-observations-of-dead-wild-birds
Online reporting form for domestic birds: https://www.mass.gov/forms/poultry-disease-reporting-form