Twenty wild turkeys were found dead in the Smith Hollow neighborhood in Edgartown over the weekend and officials suspect bird flu was the culprit.

Brice Boutot, the health agent for Edgartown, said environmental police brought a few of the turkey carcasses to MassWildlife for testing and the rest were disposed of by animal control.

“It could be infection, it could also be toxicity,” Mr. Boutot said. “We’re awaiting results and will share them as soon as we get them.”

The bird flu, called highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has been recurring in Massachusetts since 2022, and state officials last week said the disease appears to be widespread, killing both wild and domestic birds in several mainland municipalities. 

After more than 60 Canada geese, swans and other birds were found dead in Plymouth in January, state scientists warned that bird flu, which in rare instances can infect humans, was likely present in places where there have been no confirmed cases. 

While there have been no confirmed cases on the Vineyard, Mr. Boutot stressed the importance of taking necessary precautions, like not touching dead carcasses, to stop the spread.

“We’re urging people to avoid diseased or deceased birds,” Mr. Boutot said. “That includes their pets and if you have your poultry, try to keep wild birds away from it.”

He said to avoid bird feces and water that could be contaminated. Mr. Boutot said he is unaware of any potential bird flu outbreaks at local farms with chicken flocks.

Officials are encouraging people to report bird deaths of five or more to the state and include pictures. 

To report observations of five or more sick or dead birds, use this form: https://www.mass.gov/forms/report-observations-of-dead-wild-birds

To report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds, call the MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617)-626-1795 or through this form: https://www.mass.gov/forms/poultry-disease-reporting-form