Announcements | Warren, MA

UPDATE 3/21/22

Summary: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is spreading in New England. New Hampshire and Connecticut are seeing cases rise, including backyard/commercial flocks of chickens and turkeys. It has now been detected in wild birds in Eastern Massachusetts. This disease is being spread primarily by waterfowl but it has been seen in other large birds such as owls. Please report in any dead wild birds to me at 508-344-4428 so that they can be safely removed.

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March 21, 2022

Joint Update from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Division of Animal Health and Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWidlife)

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in wild birds in MASSACHUSETTS.

HPAI has been detected in either wild water birds, domestic birds, or both, along the east coast from Canada to Florida. Affected states include MA, CT, ME, NH, NY, and others. HPAI surveillance of domestic and wild birds in MA is ongoing.

Based on detections in birds in multiple locations in MA and surrounding states, HPAI appears to be prevalent in at least some species of this region's wild bird population. This means that all domestic poultry in Massachusetts may be at risk of exposure.

Waterbirds including shorebirds, gulls, and waterfowl, especially geese and dabbling ducks like Mallards, are most likely to carry the HPAI virus. Use good biosecurity to protect your flock and your facility against the HPAI virus. Keep wild waterbirds away from your flock. Flock owners and visitors may accidentally expose their flocks to HPAI through contaminated shoes, clothing, or equipment.

Out of an abundance of caution, MDAR is asking that Animal Control Officers and Animal Inspectors provide assistance in removing dead wild birds from the environment, as some of these cadavers may be infected with HPAI. Please double bag these carcasses and dispose of them through the usual channels. Be sure to practice good biosecurity to avoid accidentally carrying the virus on your clothing, shoes, or hands. See MDAR’s Poultry Program Page for biosecurity resources.

Visit MDAR’s Poultry Page for updates and biosecurity resources available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, and Arabic: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/poultry-program

REPORT sick or dead birds

Domestic:

MDAR Animal Health:

Call 617-626-1795 or use the online Poultry Disease Reporting Form: https://www.mass.gov/forms/poultry-disease-reporting-form

USDA Veterinary Services:

Call 866-536-7593

Wild:

MDFG Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife):

Call 508-389-6300

USDA Wildlife Services:

Call 866-487-3297

UPDATE 3/19/22

Mosquitoes and ticks are already out and looking for a meal! Please make sure to keep your dog on flea and tick preventative, as well as heartworm medication. A moderate cost of preventative can help your dog avoid painful Lyme and save you from expensive heartworm treatment. Clinics such as VIP Petcare at Smithland Pet Supply & Tractor Supply as well as Vetco at Petco offer affordable heartworm testing that results in a yearly prescription for heartworm medication that can be filled anywhere, from Chewy to Walmart! I found a comparison chart of options at: https://vetsnewmarket.com/blog/index.php?id=014a4671

UPDATE 3/11/22

I am working with the Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) to update the town's Emergency/Disaster Plan when it comes to animals. I encourage all animal owners to consider how they might handle their pets in urgent situations. The top two recommendations we have at this time are:

1. Fill out a Pet Information Sheet that includes a picture.

2. Purchase a foldable wire crate that can comfortable house your pet(s). Make sure they go into it from time to time so they know it is a safe space they can trust.

Pet information sheets are availabe in the Town Clerk's office for those who are unable to print their own.

UPDATE 3/8/22

Dog tags are in! Make sure to register/license your pup today!

UPDATE 3/4/22

If you are interested in fostering for Warren Animal Control please send fill out an application at https://www.jotform.com/220008163367146. For any questions please email animalinspector@warren-ma.gov

UPDATE 2/17/22

The Massachusetts Department of Agriculture (MDAR) has reported that migratory water birds have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) along several locations on the east coast of the US, Canada, and Nova Scotia. It has carried over to commercial turkey flocks (and recently chickens) who have come into contact with wild birds. MDAR recommends taking precautions with your domestic birds for the next 90 days. Please see MDAR statement below:

February 11, 2022

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in migratory water birds in the Atlantic Flyway in Nova Scotia, Canada, South Carolina (SC), North Carolina (NC), Virginia (VA), and Florida (FL), Maryland (MD), and New Hampshire (NH). It has recently been found in a commercial turkey flock in Nova Scotia, Canada and in Indiana (IN). Commercial poultry, backyard poultry, and domestic waterfowl continue to be at risk of exposure to the virus due to its presence in migratory waterfowl. Infection within the wild bird population may contribute to introduction and spread of the disease to and among domestic birds.

The MDAR is advising backyard and commercial poultry owners to practice strong biosecurity measures to prevent domestic poultry from having contact with wild birds. Specifically for birds trying to attain or maintain “Organic” certification, this may mean temporarily confining the birds inside a shelter to prevent or minimize contact with wild birds, their feathers and droppings. This option continues to be possible under USDA CFR rule §205.239 Livestock living conditions, which states in part,

(b) The producer of an organic livestock operation may provide temporary confinement or shelter for an animal because of:

(3) Conditions under which the health, safety, or well-being of the animal could be jeopardized;

You may wish to discuss this provision with the appropriate authorities related to your organic status, as there does appear to be a disease risk for HPAI right now in Massachusetts, if poultry come into contact with wild birds.

This recommendation is in place for the next 90 days. This recommendation will be reviewed at the end of that time period to determine if an extension is warranted.

Should you notice unusual signs of sickness in your flock, you should immediately contact your local veterinarian, MDAR at 617-626-1795, or USDA at 508-363-2290.

Protect your flock with excellent biosecurity. Your veterinarian can assist you in developing additional biosecurity protocols for your operation. Other excellent biosecurity resources include: https://www.poultrybiosecurity.org and https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-in.... You may also contact MDAR for assistance with any questions you may have. The office number is 617-626-1795.