Bird Flu Alert: Parks Shut Down in Massachusetts

Hey there, did you know some parks in Massachusetts are closing up due to bird flu worries? It's true! Signs are popping up in Boston's Emerald Necklace parks, warning folks not to feed or touch birds. The big concern is the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which has been hanging around wild birds since 2022. Don't panic, though—the risk to humans is low, but it's smart to be careful. In Brockton, four spots got the closed sign due to bird flu fears. These include D. W. Field Park, Flagg Pond, Trout Brook Pond, and Cross Pond. Officials are asking everyone to steer clear of sick or dead birds and keep their pets away too.

Over in Plymouth, wildlife officials were busy removing deceased waterfowl from Billington Sea. They're expected to gather more birds on Wednesday. If you spot a sick, injured, or dead bird, you can report it online or by dialing 311 in Boston. So far, there have been 66 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the U. S. , with one sad case leading to a death in Louisiana. Most cases are mild, though, and can be treated. Dr. Scott Hadland, from Mass. General for Children's, says it's a good idea to stay away from dead birds and watch out for symptoms like fever, cough, and red eyes. If you get these symptoms after being around a bird, it's time to call your doctor.

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