Bird flu detected in 6 swans, a goose in Swansea

SWANSEA, Mass. (WLNE) — Swansea Board of Selectmen Chairman Christopher Carreiro said that the avian flu, commonly referred to as the bird flu, has been found in several wild birds in the town.

Carreiro said six swans and a goose tested positive for the bird flu.

Town leaders are reiterating that no humans or domestic livestock have tested positive for the disease in the town or Bristol County.

“The town of Swansea will continue to work with our state and federal partners to monitor bird activity in the area and, if needed, conduct further testing,” said Carreiro.

He said they began monitoring the situation in March after a cluster of swans have died.

Leaders said a total of 24 swans and one goose have died since March and after notifying Massachusetts Division of Wildlife and Fisheries, third-partying testing was done which confirm the positive cases.

Anyone who finds a dead bird in Swansea should call Animal Control Officer Lisa White at 508-679-6446.