Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Domestic Flock in Mass

DUKES COUNTY, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) safely depopulated and disposed of a non-commercial backyard flock in Dukes County due to the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) today. 

Birds on the affected premises exhibited clinical signs consistent with HPAI and tested positive for the disease. This is the second domestic flock in Massachusetts to test positive for HPAI this year.

MDAR is advising backyard and commercial poultry owners to practice strong biosecurity measures to prevent domestic poultry from having contact with wild birds since the HPAI virus is continuing to circulate in the wild bird population. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is of critical importance. Allowing domestic flocks to have "free range" poses substantial risk of exposure to HPAI. The consequences can be deadly.

Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Waterfowl and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness. Raptors, and wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds, such as foxes, can also become infected.

Dogs should be leashed and kept away from areas where wild birds congregate or where dead waterfowl have been found. Cat owners in suspected areas should consider keeping their cats indoors. Farm cats should be discouraged from consuming their prey (birds or mice).

The risk of humans contracting HPAI from infected birds is very low. Humans that are most at risk of becoming infected are individuals that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds.

For more information, visit the following link to access an FAQ on Avian Flu that was created by MDAR, the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health: https://www.mass.gov/lists/frequently-asked-questions-about-avian-flu

Dalton Fire District Voters OK 'Surprise' Building Purchase

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:25AM / Wednesday, May 13, 2026

An image of 30-32 Flansburgh from the town's assessor data. 

DALTON, Mass. — For several years, the district has been working with limited space, and a vote at the annual meeting is expected to help ease those constraints.

 

During the meeting on Tuesday at the Stationary Factory, 48 voters approved 24 of the 25 articles on the warrant, including the purchase of 30-32 Flansburgh Ave., directly next to the current station. 

 

If the property passes the home inspection, the district would purchase the multi-family home from its current owner Richard Olsted for $350,000. 

 

The property is a two-family duplex built in 1920 with more than 6,000 square feet on a fifth of an acre. Its assessed value according to information in the town's database is $305,200. It's estimated on Zillow at $312,500, with a potential high of $350,000.

 

As part of the agreement for the purchase cost, the district agreed to allow Olsted to reside in one of the building's units for as long as he chooses, with the understanding that he will be responsible for utilities and will not be required to pay rent.

 

The foreseeable purpose of the other units will be to create proper housing for emergency services personnel. 

 

The department currently has three makeshift bedrooms in the fire station that were described as not well suited for a regular ambulance service.