Avian Influenza on Nantucket: What We Know and How to Help
Last updated February 6th, 2025
State officials have confirmed that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 affects wild and domestic birds across Massachusetts, with suspected cases in waterfowl, raptor, and scavenger species. As of now, songbirds remain at a low risk of contracting the virus. While the virus poses little risk to humans unless they handle infected birds, it is highly contagious among birds and has been found in some mammals.
On Nantucket, researchers have been studying highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) since its emergence in the U.S. in 2021. Dr. Wendy Puryear from Tufts University and Dr. Nichola Hill from UMass Boston are conducting ongoing surveillance to monitor the virus in local bird and seal populations. Their research involves sampling these animals and tracking the spread of the virus throughout the Northeast. The Linda Loring Nature Foundation also conducted a study to determine if the virus was affecting songbirds and found no positive detections in their samples. HPAI has been detected in birds (primarily waterbirds, raptors, and scavengers) on Nantucket since 2022, but has not yet been detected in 2025. For the most recent updates on confirmed HPAI cases across the United States, you can visit the APHIS Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza for Wild Birds.
This winter, many people have observed a rise in the number of dead seabirds along Nantucket’s beaches. Although it is difficult to distinguish between normal seasonal mortality rates and elevated rates, researchers have been collecting samples from various locations on the island and are currently awaiting their results. This sampling has been conducted yearly since 2022.
Keep in mind that during the winter, Nantucket is known for its high populations of sea ducks in the surrounding waters. Common Eiders (the most frequently found dead bird species this winter) have a population exceeding 200,000 as Nantucket is their wintering grounds. It is not unusual to find dead Common Eiders each winter, given the robust population located offshore.
The die-off could be due to natural causes like food shortage or weather, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, or another undetermined virus. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
**UPDATE
Preliminary test results from Dr. Wendy Puryear of Tufts University showed of the 76 tests run, 3 tested “non-negative”. 1 Herring Gull from Jetties, and 1 Black-backed Gull and 1 Common Eider from Cathcart. These results are pending confirmation by NVSL (National Veterinary Services Laboratories). There are 20 samples still to process. This first batch of tests indicates that it is unlikely that HPAI is the main driver of what we are currently observing in seabirds.
What Can You Do?
✔ Do Not Handle Birds: Avoid touching sick, dead, or wounded birds. If you see five or more dead birds in one area, report them to MassWildlife.
✔ Keep Pets Safe: Keep dogs leashed and cats indoors to reduce their risk of exposure.
✔ Protection for Domestic Animals: Keep backyard poultry and other domestic animals separated from wild birds to reduce the risk of transmission.
✔ Hunting Precautions: Hunters should follow best practices when handling game meat to prevent disease transmission.
