Plymouth bird flu outbreak suspected to have claimed dozens of lives, according to Massachusetts officials.

On Sunday, officials in Plymouth, Massachusetts, informed the public that over 60 birds discovered at Billington Sea may have succumbed to highly contagious avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

On Sunday morning, the Clean Harbor waste management team, contracted by the state Department of Environmental Protection, along with state officials, removed numerous dead geese, swans, and other wildlife from Billington Sea.

Yesterday, the state ornithologist informed town officials that the goose found dead in Plymouth was "highly suspected" of having avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

Officials stated that it could take up to a week to obtain a definitive answer from the only lab in the U.S. that can confirm a positive bird flu case.

Officials will test the removed birds from Billington Sea to determine their official cause of death, as stated by state officials.

Officials advised the public to avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds and other animals that could be infected with avian influenza viruses, and to wear protective equipment if handling wild animals cannot be avoided.

Bird flu can spread through direct contact between birds, so those who raise poultry should also take precautions.

Karen Keane, Plymouth Public Health Director, advised poultry owners to keep their birds away from wild waterfowl, limit access to their flock, and clean and disinfect equipment when shared with other bird owners to prevent the spread of disease.

Although the CDC states that handling infected birds is unlikely to cause illness in people, there have been 67 human cases of bird flu since 2022, with 66 of those cases occurring in 2024.

As bird flu cases increase in the U.S., safety measures are being intensified.

The CDC recommended testing hospitalized influenza A patients more rapidly and comprehensively to differentiate between seasonal flu and avian flu on Thursday.

The CDC stated in a press release that the rapid "subtyping" of flu A in hospitalized patients is due to "sporadic human infections" of avian flu.

The agency emphasized the importance of "prompt infection control" and case investigation to prevent delays in identifying bird flu infections and improve patient care.

During flu season, high patient volumes are more likely to cause delays, according to the CDC.

Planet Chronicle Digital’s Angelica Stabile contributed to this report.