20 geese found on Ogunquit Beach likely died of bird flu, town officials say
Feb. 27—Twenty geese found on Ogunquit Beach may have died of avian flu, according to town officials.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the death may be attributed to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as avian or bird flu, town officials said in a notice to residents Wednesday. The dead geese were removed and disposed of following proper health and safety protocols, according to the town.
The notice did not say when the birds were found.
Twenty-four birds have tested positive for avian influenza in the state. All of those cases were in York and Cumberland counties and mainly along the coast from Falmouth to Kittery, said Mark Latti, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Ogunquit reported the 20 dead geese to the state before they were collected and disposed of by the town of Wells, Latti said.
"The cause of death for these geese were consistent with avian influenza. As avian influenza has already been documented in the town and area, there was no need to test these birds," Latti said. "We are concentrating testing in areas where the disease has yet to be documented this year."
Three ducks and two seagulls were found dead this week on Short Sands beach in York. Latti said their deaths were also consistent with bird flu.
Earlier this month, Maine moved its risk factor for animals from "moderate" to "high" as a result of positive tests. State officials said at the time that avian influenza had been detected in four Canada geese, two red-tailed hawks and a great horned owl in recent weeks. Those cases were in Kennebunk, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Portland and York.
Latti said songbirds are less susceptible to avian influenza.
There have been no human cases of bird flu reported in Maine, and state health officials consider the current risk to human health as low.
Not all dead wild birds are likely to have avian flu, but reporting sick, injured or dead birds helps with statewide surveillance efforts. Wildlife officials are particularly interested in reports of three or more dead birds in a localized area.
People can report a sick or dead wild bird by calling 207-287-8000 or 800-452-4664, or reporting it online with MDIFW. Reports of dead domestic poultry should be made to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry using its online form.
State officials are urging residents to take precautions to limit the spread of bird flu, such as reducing contact between domestic and wild birds, washing hands before and after handling birds, wearing clean clothing and sanitizing boots and equipment before and after entering coops, providing clean drinking water to domesticated animals, securing food to prevent rodents and monitoring flocks for illness.
The bird flu epidemic is ravaging millions of domesticated animals in other parts of the country and is the primary reason for a shortage of eggs and a recent spike in egg prices.
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