Researchers from Tufts University recently traveled to Nantucket to investigate the high number of dead birds on the island, which has led to speculation about avian flu. The team collected nearly 100 dead birds and sampled nervous tissue for testing.
According to Rain Harbison, director of Nantucket Animal Rescue, the number of dead birds is disproportionately male eiders. Yvonne Vaillancourt, director of UMass Boston’s Nantucket Field Station, warned that humans have been at low risk for this virus unless they handle birds, and keeping domestic birds separate from dead or possibly infected ones can help limit transmission.
While there have been no positive test results on Nantucket to date, reports from around the state have been cause for concern. A recent outbreak in Plymouth was described as the largest wild bird flu case in Massachusetts since 2021-22.
The Tufts University team collaborated with other researchers and agencies to sample both birds and gray seals on the island. The Linda Loring Nature Foundation is keeping an eye on the situation, suggesting that the current numbers may be within expected winter mortality rates.
The Nantucket Health Department recently issued an advisory urging residents to take precautions, including reporting sightings of five or more dead wild birds in close proximity, keeping pets away from wildlife, and following best practices for handling domestic birds.
Source: https://nantucketcurrent.com/news/island-health-and-wildlife-officials-wary-of-bird-flu-but-no-cases-so-far