I’m passing along an email about HPAI-positive geese on campus (2 out of 2 tested) that was sent to research students at UMass Amherst yesterday.
As many of you know, thousands of waterfowl (primarily Canada Geese) visit the UMass Campus Pond in the winter, and the geese go on to roost in farm fields all over the Connecticut River Valley at night. This strain will likely spread quickly, and can potentially infect humans. At present, it’s probably best to assume that any wild birds we encounter or handle in Western Mass are HPAI-positive. Hands, clothes and shoes should also be disinfected after excursions to areas where bird droppings are present.
See below for forwarded message from UMass. Please pass along this announcement if you find it helpful.
I’ve been bullied and censored ruthlessly for sharing public safety concerns in Massachusetts birding spaces over the years. So I am not interested in engaging in further discourse with traditional birding community.
Thank you. Meghadeepa Maity
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From: Jeffrey Hescock <jhescock...> Date: Fri, Jan 17, 2025 at 2:38 PM Subject: Situational Awareness - Avian Influenza in the Local Geese Population To: Jeffrey Hescock <jhescock...> CC: Jeffrey Hescock <jhescock...>
Good afternoon,
We are writing to inform you that cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been confirmed in the local geese population on campus. As a member of the University research community, we wanted to share this information with you as well as some protective measures for you and other humans/animals under your care.
The University in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources worked together to test two geese and these animals tested positive for HPAI. While Massachusetts has been dealing with an outbreak of HPAI since early 2022, this is the first known positive test on campus. Because avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring and ever-present in wild birds, preventing or controlling HPAI in wild populations is not feasible. Although HPAI can potentially infect humans, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that the current HPAI outbreak is primarily an animal health issue that poses low risk to the general public. The following proactive measures will help reduce the risk to you or other humans/animals under your care:
Do not approach, handle, or feed wild geese or other wild birds, especially those that appear sick or have died.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after being in areas where birds or their droppings are present and avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Report sick or deceased birds to Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 413-545-2682.
If you develop flu-like symptoms after potential exposure to birds, contact your healthcare provider and inform them about the exposure.
If you must handle wild birds for research or other purposes, please contact EHS for additional safety procedures.
We are closely coordinating with the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources to monitor the situation and will communicate updates as needed. If you have immediate questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at <jhescock...>
More information about Avian Influenza is available through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website.
Thank you for your attention and ongoing commitment to safety.
