***  ALERT ***  OVER 60 BIRDS FOUND DECEASED IN PLYMOUTH… OTHERS ILL, EUTHANIZED… SUSPECTED BIRD FLU… KEEP PETS LEASHED… REPORT, DO NOT HANDLE

CAPE WILDLIFE CENTER MEDIA STATEMENT: Today we were on scene with Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife , Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Town of Plymouth, MA, and [] Clean Harbors responding to a suspected outbreak of avian influenza on the Billington Sea. Over 60 birds were observed deceased, and several others were acting very sick. Our veterinary team assisted by collecting samples for confirmatory testing and by capturing and humanely euthanizing birds that were actively suffering from symptoms of the virus. While this is not a situation anyone wants to be in, we hope that today’s collective efforts have a positive impact by helping to better understand the root cause of this outbreak and by removing sick and deceased birds from the environment to reduce further spread. As a reminder if you come across multiple sick or deceased wild birds in your area please report them to masswildlife here: [https:] Help keep yourself and your pets safe through good situational hygiene! -Do not handle sick or deceased birds. -keep pets leashed and away from any potentially infected wildlife. -Practice good bio-security with backyard poultry and reduce their contact with wild birds wherever possible. [CWC images/HN edits]