Local chicken farmers are taking extra precautions after state officials recently confirmed a highly contagious bird flu strain has entered Massachusetts. The strain is believed to have already caused significant damage, with birds in Boston, Amherst, and Plymouth suffering heavy losses. Last week, officials announced the discovery of dead wild birds, including swans and geese, near Brockton Park.
Wild birds play a crucial role in spreading the flu to farms by flying overhead and releasing waste into water bodies. This has prompted officials to close parks in affected areas. Meanwhile, poultry farms across other states are already facing shortages and rising costs due to the outbreak, which has disrupted the national egg supply chain. The strain is expected to continue spreading, putting additional pressure on local farms and consumers.
Source: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/26/business/bird-flu-mass-chicken-farms