News from the Board of Health

Avian Influenza - bird flu / Tick season

Avian influenza - bird flu

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has made news headlines in the past year for raising the price of eggs—and for infections in people, poultry, wild birds and dairy cattle in several parts of the country. The Cooperative Public Health Service wants you to know that the risk of avian influenza to the general public remains low.

People who are more at-risk are those that handle sick or dead birds, such as waterfowl and backyard poultry. If you need to handle sick or dead birds, protect yourself by wearing personal protective equipment, including gloves, an apron (or wear a trash bag), and surgical mask.

Pets are at risk if they are in physical contact with sick or dead birds. It’s recommended to keep cats indoors and to leash dogs outdoors. There are no current recommendations to avoid being outdoors in areas where infected wild birds have been found.

If you see something, say something! Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources would like you to report sick or dead backyard poultry. MassWildlife would like you to report when there are clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds. Reporting forms for both agencies, information on how to keep yourself safe, find your town’s animal inspector, dispose of a carcass safely, and more can be found on frcog.org/bird-flu.

Tick season is coming

Tick activity and tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Powassan virus occur year-round in Massachusetts. Although tick activity is weather-dependent, the first peak of the year usually begins in March/April. While not every tick is carrying disease, it is important to take steps to avoid all tick bites.

To prevent tick bites:

• use insect repellents that contain an EPA-registered active ingredient like permethrin or DEET

• wear light-colored clothing to more easily spot ticks

• do daily tick checks

• promptly and properly remove any attached ticks

For more information on tick bite prevention and how to remove a tick, go to https://www.mass.gov/tick-borne-diseases

Information from the Conway BOH is focused on our shared public health. Please consult your healthcare provider for your personal healthcare guidance.

For the most up to date information, please see the Town website and the BOH webpage conwayma.gov/g/42/Board-of-Health.

Posted: to Board of Health on Mon, Feb 24, 2025
Updated: Mon, Feb 24, 2025