Date: 1/20/25 2:08 pm From: John Nelson <jnelson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Re: [AMBC Google Group] Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) confirmed at UMass
Meghadeepa, thanks for sharing this with the Association.
John Nelson
AMBC Facilitator
On Sat, Jan 18, 2025 at 11:05 AM Meghadeepa Maity <maity22m...>
wrote:
> Hello,
>
> 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
>
> ——————————————————
>
>
> 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.
>
> Jeff
>
> Jeffrey Hescock
> Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety and Emergency
> Management
> Environmental Health and Safety
> UMass Amherst
> 40 Campus Center Way
> Draper Hall Room 117
> Amherst, MA 01003
> 413-545-2682
> 413-658-7622 (c)
> <jhescock...>
> www.ehs.umass.edu
> www.umass.edu/emergency
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Association of Massachusetts Bird Clubs" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to
> association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs/CACQSLFviW_0wccRW-yjH%2BS--7r%<2BCRDAFMr0SNOajC1dc_gEqrw...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs/CACQSLFviW_0wccRW-yjH%2BS--7r%<2BCRDAFMr0SNOajC1dc_gEqrw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
