.png)
COLVILLE – After reports of unusual bird deaths, a backyard flock of chickens and geese in Stevens County has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), as reported by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). This case, along with an additional case in Okanogan County, was confirmed after laboratory testing, according to a news release from Tri County Health.
Avian influenza (bird flu) is a disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally in wild aquatic birds, but can also infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl) and other bird species, as well as wildlife and domestic animals. On rare occasions, bird flu viruses infect people and make them sick. This typically only happens to people who have had close contact with avian influenza-infected birds or other animals or to environments where infected animals are or have been present.
The first human cases of avian influenza were reported in Washington state in October 2024. To date, there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of avian influenza in Washington state.
This avian flu strain can lead to severe illness and death in birds and, in rare cases, impact human health.
The Center for Disease Control currently considers the risk to the general public’s health to be low. However, people who have job-related or recreational contact with infected animals, or those who own poultry, livestock, or other animals, should be aware of the risk of exposure to avian influenza so that they can take proper precautions and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Backyard flock owners, farmers, and those working with birds should take extra precautions to prevent spread, which can increase during fall migration. To protect a flock and help prevent the spread of Avian Flue, people are asked to follow these guidelines: Self-Report If In A Surveillance Zone: Flock owners within 10 kilometers (or approximately 6 miles) of a detection are in a surveillance zone and are encouraged to self-report the health of their flock using the online surveillance self-reporting tool.
Avoid Contact with Sick or Dead Birds and Use PPE: Avoid contact with sick birds and avoid touching any deceased birds, if possible. Wear gloves, a mask, and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if handling birds is necessary, and wash hands thoroughly after handling birds or their environment. Disinfect any cages, equipment, and surfaces that come into contact with birds regularly.
Limit Flock Exposure: Keep your birds separated from wild animals, especially wild birds.
Report Illnesses or Death of Flock Promptly.
