Bird Flu Detected In 2 Pierce County Flocks

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — The latest strain of the avian influenza is making its way north, and has now been confirmed in two backyard flocks in Pierce County.

The two affected flocks were discovered Tuesday, after their owners called the Washington State Department of Agriculture's (WSDA) sick bird hotline when several of their birds fell deathly ill. The flocks were composed of a mixture of turkeys, chickens, peacocks, ducks, and waterfowl, the WSDA said.

In an effort to prevent the flu from spreading, the affected properties were placed in quarantine, and the surviving members of both flocks will be euthanized.

At issue is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza called H5N1. It was first reported in Washington just last week, in a backyard flock in Pacific County. It has since been detected in two wild birds — a bald eagle in Stevens County and a Canada goose in Whatcom County. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife is also investigating eight other potential infections from wild birds across the state.

“With so many suspicious cases in wild birds pending investigation, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to avoid exposing your flock to wild waterfowl and shorebirds,” Dr. Amber Itle, state veterinarian, said. “Call us if you suspect your own birds are sick and report sick wild birds to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.”

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.

“Avian influenza is here,” Itle said. “Whether it has been confirmed in your county yet or not, you should be taking steps to protect your birds and prevent the spread of this virus which could wipe out your flock.”

While flock owners are urged to be vigilant, there is little to no danger to the public. The avian influenza has not been detected in any commercial poultry flocks in Washington. Even if it did, 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.

Though the virus has been spreading rapidly since late 2021, only two humans have been sickened in that time. The latest patient was a Colorado resident who worked with infected poultry, and only suffered a few days of fatigue before fully recovering.

"This case does not change the human risk assessment for the general public, which CDC considers to be low," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. "However, people who have job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds are at higher risk of infection should take appropriate precautions."

Flock owners who suspect their animals may have contracted the avian influenza, are urged to report their findings to the WSDA Avian Health Program by calling 1-800-606-3056.