The highly contagious bird flu has been detected in Maine.
The virus infected four Canada geese, two red-tailed hawks and a great horned owl found in Kennebunk, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick, South Portland and York, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
It also has been found in poultry flocks in four New England states, the wildlife department said Tuesday morning.
The highly contagious virus has killed millions of chickens nationwide, which has been the primary driver in a 65 percent increase in retail egg prices recently, according to CNBC.
The wildlife department said the virus can easily spread among domestic flocks from contact with infected wild birds or even from the caretaker’s clothing and equipment.
Mainers can limit the spread of the virus by limiting contact between wild and domestic birds, providing clean drinking water, securing feed, minimizing farm visits and monitoring flocks for any signs of illness.
