As fall migration peaks in Washington, state wildlife, health, and agriculture officials urge the public and flock owners to take precautions to reduce the spread of avian influenza, or bird flu. The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) emphasizes not to touch sick or dead wild birds or bring them into homes or vehicles.
Over the last week, the Washington state Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and WDFW have seen a spike in bird flu detections in domestic and wild birds from multiple counties, a news release stated. The agencies have also learned that well-meaning members of the public have brought sick birds into their homes, barns, or vehicles in an effort to care for them. Both agencies warn that handling sick birds and bringing them indoors creates opportunities for bird flu to spread and can potentially pose a threat to human and pet health.
The warnings come after a Grays Harbor adult was recently diagnosed with the H5N5 strain of bird flu and was hospitalized after developing a “high fever, confusion and respiratory distress.” State health officials said this was the first-ever confirmed case of H5N5 involving a human.
Under the Code of Federal Regulations, it is illegal in most cases for members of the public to capture or hold wild birds without a permit. WDFW and WSDA urge the public not to attempt to treat or house wild birds themselves. Instead, residents should report the birds to WDFW. Bird flu remains present in wild and domestic birds across Washington, and the risk increases as wild waterfowl migrate through the region each fall. Keeping distance from wild birds and preventing their contact with domestic flocks is essential to slowing disease spread.
“Risk to backyard flocks is extremely high right now. Every poultry owner should take biosecurity seriously,” Dr. Amber Itle, state veterinarian for WSDA, said. “Keeping wild waterfowl away from your flock is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your birds.”
Flock owners statewide are encouraged to closely monitor the health of their birds and report any signs of illness or sudden death. All poultry including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, emus and guinea fowl are susceptible with mixed flocks at higher risk. Sick domestic birds should be reported to the WSDA’s sick bird hotline at 1-800-606-3056.
Key reminders from WDFW:
• Do NOT bring sick wild birds into your home or touch dead wild birds. Handling them increases the risk of spreading bird flu viruses. Always report sick or dead wild birds to WDFW.
• Hunters: practice safe handling. Wear gloves, eye protection, and a well-fitting facemask when cleaning harvested waterfowl. Wash hands and equipment thoroughly, and do not consume birds that appear sick or are found dead of unknown causes. Cook game birds to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and do not feed uncooked meat or other parts to domestic animals. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while cleaning game.
• Keep pets safe. Do not allow pets to come in contact with sick or dead birds.
• Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitizer immediately after handling game or cleaning bird feeders.
While rare, avian influenza can spread from birds to people. People who come into contact with infected birds or their environments should be aware of the risk of avian influenza so that they can take proper precautions, including handwashing, wearing personal protective equipment, and storing supplies used when caring for birds outside the home.
For more information on human transmission of avian influenza, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdsp7yut.
