Crime & Safety

Avian Flu 'Running Rampant' Near North Shore Beaches

Those finding a bird in distress, especially near the beach, should leave it alone.

Scott Souza's profile picture
Scott Souza, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Swampscott police reported an increase in calls from residents about injured or sick birds with animal control saying that there is a "significant increase in Avian Flu" among those birds in the areas of Marblehead, Lynn, Nahant and Swampscott.
Swampscott police reported an increase in calls from residents about injured or sick birds with animal control saying that there is a "significant increase in Avian Flu" among those birds in the areas of Marblehead, Lynn, Nahant and Swampscott. (Rachel Nunes/Patch)

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Avian flu is "running rampant" among aquatic birds on the North Shore this spring.

Swampscott police reported several calls from residents about injured or sick birds with animal control saying that there is a "significant increase in Avian Flu" among those birds in the areas of Marblehead, Lynn, Nahant and Swampscott.

"We have been advised to stay away from and not touch these aquatic birds," Swampscott police said. "The Avian Flu is running rampant."

Find out what's happening in Swampscottfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Police said female Eiders, or sea ducks, are being found on beaches in distress with signs of seizures, difficulty walking, twisting of the head and neck, and being lethargic.

Residents and beachgoers who come across these birds are advised to leave them alone.

Find out what's happening in Swampscottfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Avian influenza viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian influenza viruses have occurred, most following direct or close contact with infected poultry.

Additional information on the Avian Flu can be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Swampscott