- Home
- Departments
- Health Department
- H5N1 (Bird Flu) Information
H5N1 (Bird Flu) Information
H5N1, commonly referred to as bird flu, has been a topic of recent media coverage. The Littleton Department of Health is committed to keeping the community informed and prepared. While the current risk level remains low, the department is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with state and federal agencies to address any potential concerns. Click the headings below for more information on the most frequently asked questions. For additional questions or more information, please contact the Littleton Department of Health at (978) 540-2430 or via email at Health@littletonma.org.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is collecting information on wild birds to monitor possible outbreaks of Avian Influenza. Report observations of dead wild birds through their form at the following link: https://www.mass.gov/forms/report-observations-of-dead-wild-birds
Reporting Form for Domestic Poultry: https://www.mass.gov/forms/poultry-disease-reporting-form
• H5N1 is a viral infection that primarily affects wild birds, especially waterfowl like ducks and geese, as well as domestic poultry.
• H5N1 has been circulating globally for several years and has been causing outbreaks in the US since January 2022. The most common strain currently of concern is H5N1, but other strains can also circulate.
• This strain is spread through wild waterfowl (ducks and geese) as they migrate. When infected wild waterfowl interact with domestic chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese, the virus can be spread to the domestic birds.
• In rare cases it can impact humans and other animals.
• Domestic birds are highly susceptible to highly pathogenic avian flu viruses, including this one, and suffer a high morbidity and mortality when they are exposed.
• This wild bird strain of H5N1 is continuing to circulate in wild birds globally and in the US.
In humans, bird flu is typically contracted through direct or indirect contact with infected birds or their droppings, saliva, or nasal secretions. For example:
• Handling infected birds or their carcasses.
• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects, such as cages or feed.
• Inhaling particles from dried bird droppings or secretions.
The virus is not commonly transmitted from person to person, and properly cooked poultry and eggs do not pose a risk.
For the general public, the risk remains low. However, certain groups may face higher risks, including:
• Poultry workers and bird handlers.
• Individuals with frequent exposure to wild birds or their habitats.
• Those living or traveling to areas with active outbreaks in poultry farms.
It’s important to note that while human cases are rare, they can occur, and severe illness or death is possible.
• Historically, humans have been most commonly infected with avian flu strains if they have direct contact with infected birds (most commonly domestic birds) or the indoor environments where the birds live.
• In 2024, with the emergence of infections in dairy cattle, humans have become infected through close contact with infected cattle, and particularly milk from infected cattle.
• During 2024 there have been 66 people identified with H5N1; 24 people have been identified with H5N1 from birds, 40 people have been infected through contact with dairy cattle and 2 additional people with H5N1 have unknown exposures.
• The severity of illness associated with bird flu has ranged from mild to severe, including death. Symptoms can include: red and irritated eyes, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, aches and fatigue.
• In early 2024, the circulating wild bird strain of H5N1 spilled over into dairy cattle in Texas and moved via ordinary cattle movements to multiple states. The virus developed some small changes so that while it is very closely related to the wild bird strain of H5N1, it is genetically distinct. This virus has been circulating in dairy cows in the US ever since.
• Although there has been no evidence of H5N1 in dairy cattle in Massachusetts, DPH and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) MDAR have been collaborating to test milk from all dairy cattle herds once per month since August of 2024.
• No cows have been identified with H5N1 in Massachusetts at this time. Testing is ongoing.
Bird flu has been making headlines due to:
• A person in Louisiana previously hospitalized with H5N1 has passed away.
• Widespread outbreaks in wild bird populations and poultry farms, leading to economic and ecological concerns.
• Potential risk to humans as health officials closely monitor the virus for any signs of mutation that could make human-to-human transmission easier.
• Local detections or impacts, such as reports of infections in wildlife or nearby poultry farms.
- January 19: State environmental and health officials reported that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is suspected to be the cause of over 60 deceased Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth.
• The CDC announced on Dec. 18 that a patient has been hospitalized with a severe case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus ("H5N1 bird flu") infection in Louisiana. This person was infected through contact with an infected backyard flock and marks the first instance of severe illness linked to the currently circulating H5N1 viruses in the United States.
• On January 6, 2025, Louisiana Department of Health announced the death of this patient. Although few details have been shared, the patient was over 65 and had pre-existing conditions that may have contributed to the disease severity.
• The virus isolated from this patient showed several mutations that made it easier to infect mammalian cells. However, these mutations were determined to have occurred after the patient was infected and were not the cause of the original infection.
• Pets, particularly cats and dogs, can occasionally become infected if they come into contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated environments. While infections in pets are rare, it is still wise to monitor their exposure to wild birds or areas with known outbreaks.
• Evidence of multiple captive wild feline species and several domestic cats infected likely through consumption of raw milk or raw food.
• There have been 2 raw pet food recalls associated with cases in cats.
• Recommendations to help prevent H5N1 infection of domestic cats:
• Keep cats away from environments with domestic poultry dairy cattle and wild birds
• Prevent cats from consuming dead birds or other animals
• Avoid feeding raw milk or raw pet food to cats
• Signs and symptoms in cats:
• Fever, lethargy and anorexia
• Respiratory signs including conjunctivitis
While the overall risk to our community is low, it’s always wise to take basic precautions:
1. Avoid contact with wild birds and observe them from a distance. Do not handle sick or dead birds.
2. Report sick or dead birds to local wildlife authorities or animal control for proper investigation.
3. Protect pets by keeping them indoors or on a leash in areas where wild birds are present.
4. Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling poultry or eggs and cleaning cooking surfaces.
5. Stay informed about local updates on bird flu and follow any guidance issued.