LAKEVILLE — Numerous reports of ailing or dead wild birds have been reported in Lakeville this week, just as the state has warned residents to avoid handling sick or deceased birds due to an apparent outbreak of bird flu in at least one nearby community.

More than 60 Canada geese, swans and ducks at Billington Sea in Plymouth are believed to have died from highly pathogenic avian influenza, a highly contagious and deadly strain of bird flu that can wipe out entire flocks of poultry, according to state health officials.

Smaller outbreaks of the disease, involving 15 geese or fewer, have been reported in recent weeks in other parts of the state, officials reported.

Avian influenza viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds such as ducks and geese worldwide and can infect domestic poultry like chickens and turkeys as well as other bird and animal species. Avian influenza viruses do not normally infect humans, although those in close contact with infected birds can be at risk.

A number of reports have come in about ailing or dead birds in Lakeville. 

Lakeville firefighters recently rescued a goose in distress on Assawompsett Pond. 

Firefighters assessed the situation and determined that a rescue could be made safely, the department reported. Precautions were taken to protect responders from a potential exposure to highly pathogenic avian influenza, the department reported.

The bird was turned over to Lakeville Animal Control.

Animal control was recently called about a dead goose on Assawompsett Pond observed in open water surrounded by thin ice, Animal Control Officer David Frates said.

Frates said he would not ask the fire department to go out into the frigid water to retrieve a dead bird. He said he understands that people are concerned that the carcass could then be eaten by a raptor or other scavenging animal, which could then contract the illness.

But he said he will not ask people to risk their safety for an animal that is already deceased. “We will try to pick up as many as we can, as I already have picked up six this week, but if it's risky, then we have to let them be,’’ he said. 

Two geese reported at Apponequet Regional High School were picked up by animal control, Frates said. 

The public should report observations of sick or deceased wild birds if five or more birds are found at a single location by filling out a form at mass.gov/reportbirds. 

Report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795.

People with questions about the public health impact of the illness can visit www.mass.gov/info-details/avian-flu or call the Division of Epidemiology (available 24/7) at 617-983-6800. 

Anyone who observes a sick or dead bird in Lakeville is asked to call the animal shelter at 508-947-3891.