The risk status of Avian Flu, otherwise known as “Bird Flu”, has been elevated from “moderate” to “high” in Maine.

That’s according to the state’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. They say the primary culprit is migratory birds currently on the move interacting with commercial and backyard flocks, usually during the colder months.

Spokesperson Jim Britt says that anyone who owns these birds should be increasing biosecurity to keep them safe. This comes after three wild birds in York County (two Canadian geese and a Great Horned Owl) recently tested positive for the disease. Bird flu has also been detected in other New England states.

You can read more about the current status of the disease, as well as helpful information at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s website.

To read the original Bangor Daily News article, click here.