As we return back from February break and perhaps start to notice the days getting longer once
again, I’d like to share some information from the Watertown Department of Public Health
regarding Bird Flu, or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1.
Massachusetts is currently experiencing a widespread outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian
Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus – more commonly referred to as bird flu – which is being closely
monitored by state environmental and health officials.
Watertown has seen an increase in dead bird sightings over the course of this winter. While the
state has not yet confirmed the presence of bird flu in Watertown, they have said that bird flu is
widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in communities where there has not
been a confirmed positive.
As of the end of January, the Watertown Health Department had received about 25 calls related
to dead or dying birds, almost all of which have been geese. More than 20 dead geese have
been identified on Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) property,
and the Watertown Health Department had picked up two dead birds on City property.
Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have direct contact with
animals infected with bird flu are the most at risk of becoming infected. If you have questions
about the public health impact of bird flu, visit DPH’s webpage or call the Division of
Epidemiology 24/7 at 617-983-6800.
To keep our community safe and healthy, please follow these precautions:
1. Keep Your Distance: Avoid interacting with or approaching wild birds, including feeding
them. Do not touch any sick or dead birds or other animals.
2. Avoid Contaminated Areas: Steer clear of surfaces that may be contaminated with bird
saliva, mucus, or feces.
3. Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any
potential contact with birds.
4. Protect Your Pets: Dogs and other pets should always be leashed and kept away from
wildlife. Cats are susceptible to bird flu and may die from an infection, so keep your cats
indoors to prevent exposure to infected wildlife.
5. For Owners of Domestic Poultry or Birds: Prevent shared food or water sources
between your birds and wild birds. Report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by
calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795 or through
mass.gov/reportpoultry.
6. Reports sightings: Contact the Watertown Health Department at 617-972-6446 to
report observations of sick or deceased birds. If you are walking on the Charles River
path and find deceased birds, you can contact DCR at their main office line at
617-626-1250 or by email at mass.parks@mass.gov. Five or more sick or deceased
wild birds noted at a single location, or a deceased bald eagle, peregrine falcon, or
snowy owl should also be reported to DPH here.
More information about Bird Flu can be found at cdc.gov/bird-flu/about/index.html.
Together, our community can continue to stay safe and healthy this winter!
Cheers to your Health,
Jennifer Thermenos
Nurse Coordinator
Watertown Public Schools
