PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is investigating after a number of dead Canada geese were spotted near Lake Sabbatia in Taunton earlier this week. Taunton Police Chief Edward Walsh said upwards of nine dead geese were found on the lake and are being tested for the bird flu. RELATED: Bird flu detected in Connecticut backyard flock This comes after MassWildlife and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that the deaths of more than 60 Canada geese, swans and ducks at Plymouth's Billington Sea were "likely caused" by the bird flu. Dr. Suzanne Bornschein, an epidemiologist with the Rhode Island Department of Health, told 12 News the state is aware of the ongoing investigations. "We know that Rhode Island lies right in the middle of the Atlantic flyway — which is a major north-south bird route," Bornschein said. "We know that migratory birds do carry H5N1, so it's not surprising." There have been no confirmed cases of the bird flu in the Ocean State so far this year, though the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is looking into reports of dead seagulls that recently washed ashore. The DEM acknowledged that those deaths are relatively normal this time of year because of the harsh weather conditions, but did not rule out the possibility of the bird flu. The current strain of bird flu has only been detected twice in Rhode Island, with the first being in a backyard flock in October 2022 and the other in a fox kit back in May 2023. What is the bird flu? Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) —more commonly known as the bird flu — has been detected in more than 6 million domesticated birds across the country so far this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). H5N1 primarily spreads via direct bird-to-bird contact. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or materials. There are a number of symptoms poultry farmers and bird owners should watch out for: Sudden death without any prior symptoms of illness; Lack of energy and appetite; Decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; Swelling of the eyelids, comb, wattles and shanks; Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb and legs; Gasping for air and difficulty breathing; Nasal discharge, coughing and sneezing; Twisting of the head and neck; Stumbling or falling down; Diarrhea There is no treatment for avian influenza, and the only way to stop the disease from spreading is to depopulate affected and exposed birds. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that there have been 67 human cases of H5N1 reported nationwide since 2022. Of those cases, only one person has died. The World Health Organization recorded 90 human cases of avian influenza between 2022 and 2024, including eight that resulted in death. Though the risk remains low to the general public, the CDC recommends avoiding direct contact with wild, sick or dead birds. Farmers and pet owners should wear gloves while handling domesticated birds or livestock and regularly wash their hands to prevent infection. Protecting your flock The USDA's "Defend the Flock" initiative provides farmers and owners with important information regarding the bird flu and how to protect poultry from infection. Anyone who suspects one or more of their birds are sick is urged to reach out for assistance: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management » Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources » Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW