Bird Flu is Back?

Julia Forest

Copy Editor

H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, has been around since the late 1990s, but it’s currently on the rise, resulting in many outbreaks. The disease mainly affects birds, but it has now spread to other species, such as cattle, cats, and even humans.

As of Feb. 15, there have been 68 cases of bird flu among humans and one fatality since 2024, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “the current public health risk is low.”

People who work with or own infected animals are the most at risk. Still, “…there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission associated with the current avian influenza situation in the United States,” says the CDC.

Not only has the bird flu been impacting the availability of eggs, but the price has also been impacted. A dozen eggs are now costing between four to eight dollars. Some stores are even placing a limit on how many eggs one can purchase. Eggs and poultry are still safe to eat if cooked properly, and all dairy products are also fine if pasteurized. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), strongly discourages the use or consumption of raw milk.

In Massachusetts, bird flu has been announced to be widespread. “State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which very rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of over 60 deceased Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth,” according to Mass.gov.

Mass.gov has also created a form where anyone can report seeing five or more dead birds in the same location or birds that appear to be ill. In the past week, a sick bald eagle was spotted in Townsend and had to be euthanized after testing positive for avian influenza. According to Raptor Tales Rescue of Shrewsbury, the bald eagle also experienced “neurological deficits” due to the disease.

 The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against feeding pets raw pet food. Recently, two cats in Oregon became infected with the virus after consuming contaminated food and had to be euthanized. It’s now highly recommended to keep dogs on leashes and cats indoors.