Bird Flu in Watertown

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5NI

January 29, 2025 Update

Massachusetts is experiencing a widespread outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus – more commonly referred to as bird flu – which is being closely monitored by state environmental and health officials, including the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

Bird Flu in Watertown

Watertown has seen an increase in dead bird sightings. While the state has not yet confirmed the presence of bird flu in Watertown, they have said that bird flu is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in communities where there has not been a confirmed positive (read more here).

The Health Department has received about 25 calls related to dead or dying birds to date, almost all of which are geese. More than 20 dead geese have been identified on Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) property, and the Watertown Health Department has picked up two dead birds on City property.

Risk to Humans

Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have direct contact with animals infected with bird flu are the most at risk of becoming infected. If you have questions about the public health impact of bird flu, visit DPH’s webpage or call the Division of Epidemiology 24/7 at 617-983-6800.

Safety Precautions

To keep our community safe and healthy, please follow these precautions:

  1. Keep Your Distance: Avoid interacting with or approaching wild birds, including feeding them. Do not touch any sick or dead birds or other animals.
  2. Avoid Contaminated Areas: Steer clear of surfaces that may be contaminated with bird saliva, mucus, or feces.
  3. Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any potential contact with birds.
  4. Protect Your Pets: Dogs and other pets should always be leashed and kept away from wildlife. Cats are susceptible to bird flu and may die from an infection, so keep your cats indoors to prevent exposure to infected wildlife.
  5. For Owners of Domestic Poultry or Birds: Prevent shared food or water sources between your birds and wild birds. Report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795 or through mass.gov/reportpoultry.
  6. Reports sightings: Contact the Watertown Health Department at 617-972-6446 to report observations of sick or deceased birds. If you are walking on the Charles River path and find deceased birds, you can contact DCR at their main office line at 617-626-1250 or by email at mass.parks@mass.gov.