Wild turkeys have been found dead in the Smith Hollow neighborhood of Edgartown, with officials suspecting bird flu as the cause. According to Brice Boutot, the health agent for Edgartown, environmental police collected a few carcasses and disposed of the rest, while awaiting test results.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been recurring in Massachusetts since 2022, killing both wild and domestic birds in several mainland municipalities. State officials have warned that bird flu can infect humans in rare instances.
To prevent the spread, Mr. Boutot urges people to avoid dead or diseased birds, including pets and poultry, as well as contaminated water and feces. He also encourages reporting of dead birds with five or more sightings.
Residents can report observations through MassWildlife’s form: https://www.mass.gov/forms/report-observations-of-dead-wild-birds, or by calling the MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617)-626-1795 or using their poultry disease-reporting form.
Source: https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2025/02/03/officials-test-bird-flu-after-edgartown-turkey-deaths