Avian Flu

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a disease caused by avian influenza Type A viruses that naturally occur in wild aquatic birds throughout the world. This virus can also infect other species of birds, and occasionally mammals, and can cause significant mortality in poultry species such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, or guinea fowl. On rare occasions, bird flu viruses infect people and make them sick. Most instances of people becoming infected with bird flu have happened after prolonged, close contact with animals infected with avian influenza or environments contaminated with avian influenza. Public health officials are working closely with local, state, and federal partners to monitor bird flu in Washington. Influenza viruses constantly change, therefore continuous surveillance and preparedness efforts are critical.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of influenza generally include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, and/or fatigue. Some people have no symptoms. Severe infections can cause shortness of breath and respiratory failure, and may require hospitalization.

History and Current Status:

An outbreak of H5N1 bird flu began in the United States in January 2022 and has resulted in sporadic cases of human infection in the U.S. with no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Reported human cases of H5N1 in the U.S. have been mild, with patients commonly reporting eye redness or discharge (conjunctivitis). CDC currently considers the risk to the general public from this H5N1 bird flu to be low; however, people with job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds, cattle, or other infected domestic or wild animals are at higher risk and should take precautions. Information Within WA State:

Domestic birds:

• Washington State Department of Agriculture provides HPAI updates and maintains a list of positive detections in domestic birds: Avian Influenza | Washington State Department of Agriculture

• WSDA also maintains an interactive quarantine map here: Washington State Avian Influenza Outbreak Map (arcgis.com)

Wild birds:

• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a list and map of positive detections in wild birds: Avian influenza (bird flu) | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Information Nationally:

USDA tracks animal cases nationally, including livestock, poultry, and wildlife:

• 2022–2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov)

• This currently does not include counts of reported cases in domestic cats

CDC tracks human cases nationally: H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation | Bird Flu | CDC

Risk and Prevention

The CDC has guidance for specific group s with exposure to birds and other animals, including poultry farmers and workers, backyard flock owners, livestock farmers and workers, hunters, people who work with wildlife, veterinarians and veterinary staff, and people responding to animal outbreaks.

General Prevention Includes:

You should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) if you have direct contact with sick or dead wild and domesticated animals, their feces, or anything in their environment or when in any structures where there are sick or dead animals. Do not prepare or eat uncooked or undercooked food, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw cheeses.

PPE recommendations:

• Prevent Avian Influenza – Keep yourself and your family safe with PPE-

(Spanish version)

• How to safely put on and take off PPE

Hunters

• Hunters should follow standard safety steps to avoid exposure to avian influenza, other viruses and bacteria.

Sick and Dead Wildlife

• Avoid contact with wildlife

• Report sick/dead domestic birds to the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Avian Health Program: 1-800-606-3056.

• Report sick/dead domestic animals to the Washington State Department of Agriculture through their online reporting form.

• Call the Department of Health for questions about your own health: 1-800-525-0127

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is available through the Washington State Department of Health for dairy producers, poultry producers, milk processing facilities, slaughterhouses and other facilities that routinely handle animals or animal products that may be infected with HPAI H5N1.

Currently, disposable gloves, face masks, eye protection (including safety goggles, safety glasses and face shields) are available through this program. This one-time service serves as a stopgap until your facility can order more in a consistent manner.

To request PPE complete the online application through Washington State Department of Health, your order will be filled and shipped using the address you provide.

If you are experiencing symptoms of flu-like illness and have been exposed to sick birds If you are experiencing symptoms of flu-like illness after coming into contact with sick birds, please seek immediate care with your local healthcare provider. You may also reach out to the Chelan-Douglas Health District directly by calling (509) 886-6400 (after hours: (509) 886-6499 ) or contact the Washington Department of Health (1-800-525-0127).