PIERCE COUNTY, Washington — Avian flu was detected at a commercial poultry facility in Pierce County, the first such detection in Washington this year, state agricultural officials said.
No human cases have been identified at the facility. Public health agencies are monitoring workers who have been exposed to infected birds as a precaution. The risk to the general public remains low, officials said.
The affected establishment is under quarantine and disease control measures are underway. The eggs of infected birds will be destroyed and will not enter food.
Chicken and eggs from other farms remain edible, the Washington State Department of Agriculture said.
The ministry does not identify the farm. State law protects information that could identify a farmer or operation in the event of an agricultural emergency.
Avian influenza, or highly pathogenic avian influenza, continues to circulate among wild and domestic birds in Washington state. The state has been reporting detections since 2022.
In October, the Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of the virus in three backyard flocks in Yakima and Kittitas counties that had been exposed to migratory waterfowl.
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife also reported an increase in migratory wild bird deaths, which may signal a risk to poultry.
“The most important thing you can do to protect your flock is to keep your birds away from wild waterfowl or shared environments, including ponds,” said Washington state veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle. She urged flock owners to call the state’s sick bird hotline if birds suddenly become ill or die.
People handling sick birds should wear protective equipment, Itle said.
Health Precautions and Reports
Public health agencies will contact workers who were near infected birds, other animals or their environment. They will discuss worker exposure risk, suggest medications if necessary, and monitor symptoms so workers can receive rapid testing and treatment.
“Our primary public health goal is to prevent workers from becoming infected and to coordinate testing and treatment if workers develop symptoms,” said Tacoma-Pierce County Health Officer Dr. James “Jay” Miller.
People should avoid touching wild birds or other animals, even if they appear healthy. Workers exposed to infected animals in the course of their work should follow recommended safety precautions. The Washington State Department of Health has more information on health risks and disease prevention.
Herd owners within 6 miles of a detection are in a monitoring zone and are encouraged to report the health of their herd using the state’s online reporting tool and view the monitoring map.
The Department of Agriculture recommends keeping birds in chicken coops or covered enclosures, separating poultry from other domestic birds and wild waterfowl, storing food in sealed containers and limiting visitors to chicken coops.
Flock owners who notice sudden illness or death of multiple birds can call the state’s Sick Bird Hotline at 800-606-3056 or use the online reporting tool. Owners should double bag dead birds and store them in a cooler with ice until the state arranges sampling. They must keep scavengers away from the carcasses.
Do not touch or move dead wild birds. Report them using the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online reporting tool.
Gn Health
