Avian Flu 'Running Rampant' Near North Shore Beaches

Swampscott MA

14 June, 2022

4:59 PM

Description

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Avian flu is "running rampant" among aquatic birds on the North Shore this spring. Swampscott police reported several calls from residents about injured or sick birds with animal control saying that there is a "significant increase in Avian Flu" among those birds in the areas of Marblehead, Lynn, Nahant and Swampscott. "We have been advised to stay away from and not touch these aquatic birds," Swampscott police said. "The Avian Flu is running rampant." Police said female Eiders, or sea ducks, are being found on beaches in distress with signs of seizures, difficulty walking, twisting of the head and neck, and being lethargic. Residents and beachgoers who come across these birds are advised to leave them alone. Avian influenza viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian influenza viruses have occurred, most following direct or close contact with infected poultry.Additional information on the Avian Flu can be found here. (Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)