More avian flu found in wild birds in Maine as state urges precautions
Feb. 11—Maine state officials reported new cases of bird flu in wild birds Tuesday and urged precautions to protect chickens and other domesticated birds.
Avian influenza has been detected in "four Canada geese, two red-tailed hawks, and a great horned owl in recent weeks." The cases were in Kennebunk, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Portland and York.
Wild birds can pass the disease to domesticated chickens or ducks, although there have not been any confirmed cases in domesticated animals in Maine since March 2024. More than 90 wild birds in Maine have tested positive for bird flu since 2024, according to federal statistics.
Maine has moved its risk factor for animals from "moderate" to "high" this week as a result of positive tests.
The bird flu epidemic is ravaging millions of domesticated animals in other parts of the country — especially poultry and cows — and is the primary reason for a shortage of eggs and a recent spike in egg prices.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting a total of 68 human cases nationwide, with one recently confirmed in a Nevada dairy worker.
Maine has not yet reported a human case of the bird flu, and the Maine CDC considers the current risk to human health from bird flu as "low." Symptoms of bird flu in humans include headache, fever and chills, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, muscle aches, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
The Maine CDC, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are urging residents to take precautions to limit the spread of bird flu.
To help limit the spread of disease, reduce contact between domestic and wild birds; wash hands before and after handling birds; wear clean clothing and sanitize boots and equipment before and after entering coops, provide clean drinking water to domesticated animals, secure food to prevent rodents, and monitor flocks for illness.
To report a sick or dead wild bird, call 207-287-8000 or 800-452-4664, or report it online with MDIFW.
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