IIT Fall Newsletter: Bird Flu on Islesboro

By Jon Kerr

In Late August, several dead birds were found on the island.  Four of the birds were seagulls.  All were identified on the Smith and Alexander properties on Keller Point Road.  Marylin Smith reported the findings to the Maine Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Islesboro Health Center.  PA, Owen Howell made additional calls to Fish and Wildlife and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Fish and Wildlife assumes all dead birds should be treated as potential positive carriers of bird flu/avian influenza. 

“Bird flu” is a general term for influenza A viruses that primarily infect birds (wild or domestic). Some strains can be highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which cause severe disease and high mortality in some bird populations. These viruses may spread by:

●     Direct contact between birds: Contact with saliva, nasal secretions, or feces of infected birds

●     Contaminated surfaces (feeders, water, equipment)

●     Through migratory wild birds that carry and spread the virus during their migrations

In birds, symptoms can vary — from none at all to severe illness and sudden death. Signs may include lethargy, decreased appetite, neurological symptoms (e.g. tremors, incoordination), decreased egg production, swelling around the head, nasal discharge, or sudden death.

In 2024 and early 2025, bird flu was found in domestic flocks and wild birds in York, Cumberland, and Kennebec counties. Wild ducks, geese, and even owls tested positive.  Bird flu primarily affects birds. While human infections are possible in rare cases, the risk to the general public is considered low under current conditions. At this point, there have been no confirmed human cases of bird flu in Maine.

Though bird blue primarily infects birds, in June–July 2022, a striking number of harbor and gray seals were found stranded (dead or dying) along the Maine coast. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association NOAA declared it an “Unusual Mortality Event”. The prevailing scientific interpretation is that these seals were infected by spillover from infected wild birds (seabirds, waterfowl) or via contact with contaminated bird carcasses or droppings.  NOAA ultimately declared the 2022 seal mortality event to be over in January 2024, based on stranding data and surveillance results. During the post‑event period, surveillance did not find new spillover events in seals, nor evidence of sustained transmission among seals.

The risk to the general public from seals or birds carrying bird flu is considered low. Nevertheless, standard precautions are advised, especially around dead or stranded seals or wild birds.

What should individuals do if they find a sick or dead seal or bird on the island? 

●     Do not touch live, sick, stranded or dead seals or birds.
●     Keep pets away from such animals.

●     In case of a seal, observe from a safe distance (NOAA and Maine agencies recommend at least 100–150 feet. Touching or harassment of any marine mammal is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act).

If you must handle a dead animal (e.g. for removal to prevent hazards), use protective gloves, masks, and other safety gear, and follow guidance from wildlife health authorities. Gloves are a must, and the Islesboro Health Center will gladly provide them to you.

Report dead birds to Maine IFW:
ifw.webmaster@maine.gov / 207-287-8000

Report sick or dead birds to:
The Maine State Veterinarian: 207-287-3701 or

Avian Haven: (207) 382-6761

Report any live stranded or dead seals to the Maine Marine Mammal Reporting Hotlines:

Marine Mammals of Maine (MmoME): 1‑800‑532‑9551 or

Allied Whale (College of the Atlantic): (207) 266-1326