NAHANT — Town Administrator Tony Barletta announced that dead birds found on Short Beach have tested positive for a form of avian influenza.
In March, the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife conducted preliminary tests on the birds. The results came back as “non-negative,” and the samples were then forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory for confirmation.
“The guidance is the same,” Barletta said. “The risk to humans is low, but the risk to your pet is somewhat unknown. They don’t have a lot of data about how the avian flu could transfer to your dog… The flu has transferred, in other parts of the country, to cattle.”
Despite the low risk to humans, the United States Department of Agriculture advises extensive disinfecting of clothing and shoes if one comes in contact with a dead bird. According to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza.
According to Selectman Gene Canty, two dead owls were recently reported on Short Beach, along with one bird that was found on Doggie Beach.
Barletta said that unless the outbreak lasts beyond April, testing will not continue on a regular basis.
“In the past few years, this flu has kind of come through and it’s gone away,” Barletta said. “Except for a couple of years ago, it went beyond April and kind of lasted all summer.”
Barletta advised residents to continue reporting dead birds by calling the Department of Public Works at 781-581-0026.
