GRANT COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of the bird flu in a commercial poultry flock in Grant County.
The Washington State Department of Health and the Grant County Health District said they are monitoring workers who may have been exposed to infected birds as a precaution. No human cases have been reported in connection with this outbreak and officials said the risk to the general public remains low.
Avian influenza (bird flu) is caused by influenza viruses that naturally occur among wild aquatic birds and can infect other bird species and animals. Human infections are rare and typically occur only after close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
The virus spreads through saliva, mucus and feces of infected animals and can also be found in raw milk from infected dairy cattle. No person-to-person transmission of bird flu has been identified in the U.S.
While this is the first outbreak in domestic poultry in Grant County, officials said more than 100 wild birds have tested positive for avian influenza in the county since January 2022. Nationwide, 70 human cases and one death have been confirmed since 2024.
Health officials urge people who work with birds, livestock or other animals to take precautions, including avoiding direct contact with sick or dead animals, washing hands frequently, wearing personal protective equipment and cooking all poultry, meat and eggs to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Residents are also advised not to drink raw milk or feed pets raw meat or unpasteurized dairy products.
Anyone who finds sick or dead birds or livestock is asked to report them to the Washington State Department of Agriculture at 1-800-606-3056 or to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife through its online reporting form.
