As Bird Flu Cases Mount, DOH Warns Against Touching Wild Birds

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Health is reporting a growing number of avian influenza cases across the state. And while the risk to everyday Washingtonians remains rare, health experts are reminding everyone to keep clear of wild birds, especially sick or dead birds.

The bird flu outbreak has impacted several backyard non-poultry flocks, was recently detected in wild ducks at several King County parks, and is also impacting the state's Canada geese, snow geese, and bald eagles.

While the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus is tearing through local avian populations, the risk to humans is minimal. The avian influenza has not been detected in any commercial poultry flocks in Washington. Even if it had been, the bird flu does not affect poultry meat or egg products, and is only transmissible to humans who have close or lengthy unprotected contact with infected birds, particularly if they handle the bird's saliva, mucous and feces.

That said, it's still not a good idea to take any unnecessary risks.

“Although the risk to people is low, bringing a sick bird into your home or a veterinary hospital could spread an infection to humans and other animals,” said Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, Washington State Chief Science Officer at the Department of Health. “Don’t take a chance – the safest thing to do is to avoid all contact and report the bird to Fish and Wildlife.”

Meanwhile, state veterinarians are urging bird owners to take precautions and protect their flocks by limiting contact between their birds and wild birds. Transmission can be prevented by keeping ducks and geese penned separately from chickens and turkeys, cutting access to ponds or standing water, and limiting visitors to farms and not sharing farm tools or equipment, the WSDA said.

Sick wild birds can be reported to the WDFW using the agency’s online reporting tool. Domestic birds can be reported to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. In both cases, a sick or dying bird should be reported immediately.

“Avian influenza in birds is often a fatal disease and, unfortunately, there isn't a vaccine or a treatment," said WDFW wildlife veterinarian Katie Haman. "Handling sick birds or taking them to a veterinarian could spread the virus to new areas and increase the reach of the virus.”

Though the virus has been spreading through America's bird population rapidly since late 2021, only four humans have been sickened in that time. However, if you do develop flu-like symptoms within 10 days after contact with dead or sick birds, the DOH says you should contact your local health jurisdiction and alert your healthcare provider.