The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has announced the detection of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (AI) in a domestic chicken flock.
The detection occurred in a backyard flock located in Dukes County. Officials reported that the affected flock was safely depopulated and disposed of. The birds had exhibited signs consistent with Avian Influenza and subsequently tested positive for the disease.
MDAR recommends that both backyard and commercial poultry owners implement robust biosecurity measures. This is intended to prevent contact between domestic poultry and wild birds.
As of the announcement, there have been no reported cases of Avian Influenza in humans within Massachusetts.