Authorities in Plymouth, Massachusetts, are investigating the deaths of over sixty birds at Billington Sea, suspecting highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. Clean Harbor waste management, under contract with the state's Department of Environmental Protection, along with state officials, removed the deceased geese, swans, and other wildlife from the pond on Sunday.

This action follows a report from the state ornithologist suggesting a goose previously retrieved from Plymouth likely died from bird flu. Confirmation is pending, as only one U.S. lab can officially diagnose HPAI, which can take up to a week. In the meantime, the removed birds will undergo testing to determine the exact cause of death.

Public health officials are urging people to avoid contact with sick or dead wild animals, particularly birds, and to use protective gear if handling is unavoidable. Poultry owners are advised to separate their flocks from wild waterfowl, restrict access to their birds, and meticulously clean and disinfect shared equipment.

While the CDC states that handling infected birds is unlikely to cause human illness, 67 human bird flu cases have been reported since 2022, with 66 occurring in 2024. This surge has led the CDC to recommend faster and more comprehensive testing of hospitalized influenza A patients to differentiate between seasonal flu and bird flu, ensuring prompt treatment and containment measures.