I just received an email newsletter from #MDACF regarding #HPAI. It's not looking good...

From the memo [in PDF format]:

"Avian Influenza (HPAI) Notices:

Due to the continuing US outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domesticated and wild birds and in dairy cattle, Animal Health Officials from all six #NewEnglandStates are united in advising the following for agricultural fairs, competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps, or other in-person events that encourage the gathering or co-mingling of birds and/or cattle:

Avian species

The New England State Veterinarians strongly discourage the exhibition of domestic and wild waterfowl species and may recommend delaying or canceling domestic fowl or poultry shows. If events are held, best practices for biosecurity should be implemented. Waterfowl exhibitions are currently banned in MA through April 30, 2026, which may be extended.

Bovine species

The New England State Veterinarians strongly discourage the exhibition of any bovines, including both dairy and beef cattle, that have been present in any state at the time that state had a current outbreak of HPAI in cattle.

Bovines that have been shipped from currently affected states in 2026 should not be allowed on the premises of New England fairs or shows. Moving to or from an affected state for any reason will void any New England Fair and Show Season Official Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (OCVIs) that have been issued for such cattle for the remainder of the 2026 season.

The states currently affected by HPAI in cattle can be found on the USDA website..."

Emailed bulletin:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/bulletins/412b40f

USDA Website:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed- cases-livestock

Link to MDACF memo [PDF]:
https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MEDACF/2026/04/13/file_attachments/3615362/2026%20NE%20Fairs%20Memo%20March%202026.pdf

#HPAINews #BirdFlu #MaineDACF #NewEngland #HealthAndSafety #AvianInfluenza #H5N1 #LPAI #BirdFlu
#FarmAnimals #AgriculturalFairs #Poultry #Cattle #HealthInformation

RE: https://kolektiva.social/@DoomsdaysCW/114480082056462309

Another good website about #BirdFlu and other diseases.

#HPAINews

RE: https://kolektiva.social/@DoomsdaysCW/114480197458560030

Resource about #BirdFlu and other infectious #diseases.

#HPAINews #FluTrackers

There was also a recent incident of a domestic cat in #NewJersey with #HPAI. (I reported a dead seagull in #PortlandME last week).

Bird flu may be why over 1,000 geese died in NJ. How Pa., Del. are fighting back

Officials in New Jersey are reporting that over one thousand geese have died over the last few days raising new concerns over possible bird flu cases.

By Emily Rose Grassi • Published February 18, 2026 • Updated on February 19, 2026 at 7:00 pm

"Geese are reportedly dying in large numbers throughout the state of New Jersey causing a new concern over bird flu."

Read more:
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/bird-flu-sick-geese-new-jersey/6464556/

#HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza

#MDACF - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Protect Your Flock: Be Vigilant with Biosecurity

"Flocks, backyard flocks and avian influenza current risk is at a high level.(#HPAI Update – February 13, 2026) Maine Animal Health officials have confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI – H5) in a non-commercial backyard flock in York County. While Maine’s commercial poultry remains unaffected, all bird owners are urged to review precautions and stay alert."

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ahw/animal_health/hpai/index.shtml

Precautions for flock owners:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock

#HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza #Maine #H5 #BackyardFlocks

RE: https://scicomm.xyz/@unchartedworlds/115691833712648012

#HPAINews #HPAI

#Maine - Animal Health Officials Remind Owners to Protect Flocks from #HPAI

December 3, 2025 — "Maine Animal Health officials with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry are reminding commercial and backyard bird owners to take precautions to protect their flocks following the confirmation of Highly Pathogenic #AvianInfluenza (HPAI – #H5 strain) in one a non-commercial backyard flock in #PenobscotCounty, Maine.

"HPAI is a highly contagious avian influenza virus that spreads easily between birds through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated surfaces or equipment, and exposure to secretions from wild birds. The virus can also be carried on clothing, footwear, and tools used in bird care.

"While Maine’s commercial poultry operations remain unaffected, continued vigilance is essential to prevent further transmission to domestic birds.
Practical Measures to Protect Your Flock

"DACF recommends the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure:

- Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by keeping birds indoors or ensuring outdoor enclosures are fully covered and secure.

- Practice strict biosecurity, including washing hands before and after handling birds, changing clothing and footwear between flocks, and limiting access to bird areas.

- Disinfect boots and gear when moving between coops or bird areas.

- Avoid sharing equipment or supplies between farms or flocks.

- Clean and disinfect tools and equipment between uses.

- Use well or municipal water for drinking water.

- Secure poultry feed to prevent access by wild birds and rodents.

- Limit unnecessary visits to other farms or locations with birds.

- Monitor flock health regularly and become familiar with HPAI warning signs.

Learn More and Report Concerns

For current Maine HPAI updates, FAQs, and prevention resources, visit:
maine.gov/dacf/hpai

To report sick poultry or unusual domestic bird deaths, call USDA's toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593.

To report a dead or unusual-acting wild bird, contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: 207-287-8000 (business hours), 800-452-4664 (after hours, evenings, and weekends)."

FMI:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ahw/animal_health/hpai/

#HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza #H1N5 #BirdFluNews #BirdFluIsntOver #AnimalHealth #BackyardFlocks