GRANT COUNTY, Wash. – Six house mice in Grant County have tested positive for bird flu, according to the Grant County Health District (GCHD).
Bird flu, or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), is typically carried by wild birds but can also infect mice and other mammals, spreading the virus further.
GCHD officials highlighted the risks bird flu poses to those with pets, poultry or livestock. They advised pet owners to keep animals away from wild birds, their droppings, as well as dead birds or rodents. Pets should also be kept indoors if exposure to infected wildlife is possible. Feeding pets raw or undercooked animal products is discouraged. For symptoms of bird flu in pets, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
For poultry safety, GCHD recommends keeping poultry separate from wild birds and rodents, washing hands before and after handling animals, and changing clothes and disinfecting footwear after visiting areas with migratory waterfowl. Monitoring flock health and contacting a veterinarian if illness signs appear is also advised.
The public is urged to report sick or dead wild birds to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sick or dead backyard poultry or dairy cows should be reported to the Washington State Department of Agriculture at 1-800-606-3056.
While the current risk to humans remains low, GCHD officials advised monitoring personal health and consulting a doctor if symptoms develop.
