The wildlife department said the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Iowa confirmed the strain to be the kind circulating in Maine. The department said the strain is highly contagious and can spread and mutate between wild and domestic flocks of birds.
MONTHLY BIRD FLU DEATH TOLL HITS 700,000 AS MORE CASES REPORTED IN IOWA GAME FOWL
Six wild ducks that were found dead in Maine have tested positive for the bird flu. Wildlife authorities told the public to be aware of the highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The disease rarely infects humans. It poses a threat to poultry operations, however. Bird flu has been detected in wild birds as well as poultry in every state in New England.
The Maine wildlife department said residents who raise domestic birds should contain and separate them from wild birds whenever possible. Residents should also be cautious about getting bird waste on clothing or boots, and should sanitize thoroughly after encountering it, the department said.
The hooded merganser is a small diving duck that is popular with bird-watchers.