H5N1 Bird Flu Update

H5N1 Bird Flu Notice (February 27, 2025)

The Maine Center for Disease Control has confirmed the presence of HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) in multiple wild birds (four Canada geese, two red-tailed hawks and a great horned owl) in York and Cumberland Counties. Five dead birds found on Short Sands Beach were collected for testing on February 25.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through direct contact with infected poultry, wild birds, contaminated equipment, and even on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. If contracted by a bird, the virus is known to cause decreased appetite, reduced egg production, or death. While no cases have been detected in Maine's domestic flocks since March 2024, recent detections in wild birds signal that the virus remains present.  Four New England states reported HPAI cases in domesticated poultry in recent weeks. Avian flu viruses normally spread among wild water birds, like ducks and geese. These viruses can spread quickly to domestic poultry, like chickens, ducks, geese, and guinea hens. In response, officials raised the risk level and are strongly encouraging all flock owners to implement strict protective measures.

At this time, the Maine CDC and the NH Department of Health and Human Services consider the human health risk to the general public from avian influenza viruses to be low. Go to the NH DHHS Health Alert Notice on H5N1 bird flu.

Protecting Flocks

With wild birds present in the area, commercial and backyard flock owners are urged to take these strong biosecurity steps to protect their birds from the risk of HPAI transmission:

• Limit contact between domestic and wild birds by keeping birds indoors or in fully enclosed outdoor spaces.
• Practice strict biosecurity measures, including washing hands before and after handling birds, wearing clean clothing, and sanitizing boots and equipment between coops.
• Prevent equipment sharing and disinfect tools and supplies between uses.
• Provide clean drinking water from municipal or well sources-avoid surface water that could be contaminated.
• Store feed securely to prevent contact with wild birds or rodents.
• Minimize farm visits and avoid places where birds congregate.
• Monitor flocks for illness and report any unusual signs of disease (e.g. sudden death, decreased energy and appetite, nasal discharge, swelling and discoloration).

Reporting Sick or Dead Birds

• Avoid contact with sick and dead wild birds. However, if a dead bird is found it can be removed. Use masks and gloves when doing so. The dead bird should be buried or can be bagged and placed into the trash. Wash hands with soap and water (or use sanitizer if unable to wash hands) after handling.
• If you find a sick or injured animal, report it to Fish & Game, Durham District Office (603) 868-1095 Lt. D. Brown; Sgt. J. Hawkes; CO C. Letourneau; CO Eva Golden, or our ACO Bonnie Robinson 603-610-7441 (M-F 7-3:30).
• For more information on commonly encountered wildlife diseases, please visit Wildlife Diseases.
• More information on HPAI can be found on USDAs website, or CDCs website.
• Domestic poultry: Report sick birds or unusual deaths to USDA at 1-866-536-7593.

Public Health and Food Safety

People with close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals, or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at greater risk of infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) considers avian flu viruses to have the potential to cause severe disease in infected humans and recommends the following:

• Avoid exposure to sick or dead animals. If you are unable to avoid exposure to sick or dead animals.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling or in close contact with sick or dead animals including poultry, wild birds, backyard bird flocks, or other animals that may have come into contact with HPAI infected animals or animal feces.
• Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses. Refer to the U.S. CDC's safer foods table for a complete list of safe internal temperatures. Choosing pasteurized milk and products made with pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe as pasteurization kills bacteria and viruses, like avian influenza A viruses, in milk.
• If exposed, monitor for symptoms. For anyone who may have been exposed to HPAI virus-infected birds or animals, even if using PPE, monitor for new respiratory illness symptoms, and/or conjunctivitis beginning after the first exposure and for 10 days after the last exposure.

For more information go to the NH Fish & Game page on Avian Influenza.