Suspected bird flu cases spotted in Marion

MARION — Like a duck to water, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, is rapidly infecting animals across Massachusetts with several birds in Marion recently euthanized due to suspicion of infection.

“There have been a few geese and a duck that have been euthanized here in town,” said Lori Desmarais, Marion Public Health Director at the Board of Health meeting Thursday, Feb. 6.

While the animals were not tested for HPAI, Marion Animal Control deemed the cases to be legitimate due to the symptoms the animals were displaying.

“Obviously, here in this state, there have been quite a few that have tested positive so you kind of just go on the assumption if an animal is not acting in its usual manner,” said Desmarais.

Marion Animal Control spoke with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife before deciding upon the euthanization. 

“Prior to euthanizing her animals, she [Marion Animal Control Officer Susan Connor] reaches out to Mass Wildlife and Fisheries  so there have not been any recommendations as far as testing,” said Desmarais.

Desmarais also emphasized that mammals can also be infected with HPAI, stating that a red fox was tested positive in Plymouth County.

“Not only is it birds, it could also be wild mammals,” said Desmarais.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends that citizens “refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick and report suspected cases” online at mass.gov/reportbirds or by calling 617-626-1795.