9069-R4_ML&P_LSLA_2024_SummerNewsletter_Web

Avian Flu Risk - Summer 2025 Marilyn Seguin

A s the waterfowl and shorebirds return to Little Sebago Lake from their winter migration, residents and visitors need to be on alert for signs of Avian Flu in sick or dead wild birds, including ducks, geese and our beloved loons. Signs of illness in live birds include lack of coordination, swelling of head, cough, sneezing, diarrhea and sudden death. According to the Maine Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry , the risk for Avian Flu in Maine is HIGH. Avian Flu, or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), in Maine was detected in a flock of dead geese in Ogunquit in February. According to an article in the Portland Press Herald on February 12 th , Avian Flu was also detected in Red Tailed Hawks and a Great Horned Owl, all in Maine. The virus is highly contagious and is spread through direct contact with dead birds or their environments. You can learn more about the situation at the CDC’s Avian Influenza website . If you encounter a sick or dead bird, avoid contact with the animal and report it to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) call 207-287-8000 or after hours at 800 D uring the boating season, we see a lot of postings on Facebook about kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc., that get away from their owners. Kind people post the item they’ve found in hopes the owner will contact them to get it back. One way to help people find the owner is to put an Identification Sticker on it. These are self-adhesive waterproof stickers. Using a waterproof marker, you add your contact information and place it in a visible spot and the next time it decides to take a ‘solo voyage’, the finder can contact you directly. The Safey Boat has a supply of these and will

452-4664; or file a report on the MDIFW online reporting form for wildlife disease . You should especially report dead wild birds if: • There are three or more dead birds in a localized area • Dead birds are found near domestic poultry • You find dead waterfowl, birds of prey, shorebirds, gulls, or other seabirds When cleaning up after live wild birds, including geese, or removing dead birds on your lake property, the MDIFW website recommends these precautions: • Wear a disposable mask • Wear disposable gloves • Double-bag the bird; place the bird within the inner bag and knot or tape the bag closed • Remove gloves and mask; place inside the outer bag and knot or tape the outer bag closed • Place the double-bagged bird in the trash • Wash hands with soap and water (or use sanitizer if unable to wash hands)

Identification Stickers for Kayaks, Canoes and Paddleboards Steve Sayian

happily give them out. They are also available on the information table during the Annual Meeting.

Spring 2025 | LittleSebagoLake.com 5