Dead Birds Test Positive For Avian Flu In Nahant

NAHANT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Nahant officials say two dead birds found on Short Beach tested positive for a form of avian influenza. 

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife conducted preliminary tests on the birds last month.

After the test results came back as “non-negative,” the samples were forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory for positive confirmation.

Dog walker Angie said she's not too worried about the test results but will keep a close eye on her two dogs while at the beach. "I don't let them off the leash even though you can at certain times of the year," she said. "When there's dead birds, they are going to go straight to sniff the birds... you just have to be careful I guess."

At the beach, officials posted a warning sign telling people not to touch or remove dead birds, and to contact the Department of Public Works if a dead bird is found.

WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.

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