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Washington: 2024-2026 Avian flu in mammals

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​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4451
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/16/2025​
WASHINGTON ACHIEVES STAGE 4 STATUS IN NMTS PROGRAM: DAIRY HERDS FREE OF HPAI

Olympia — Washington State has reached Stage 4 status in the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) program, confirming that no cases of bird flu or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been detected in the state’s dairy cattle or milk supply. The NMTS program, managed by the USDA, monitors the nation’s milk supply by testing for HPAI to identify potential outbreaks.

WSDA’s Food Safety Program played a critical role in achieving Stage 4 status, with inspectors collecting monthly milk samples from dairy producers across the state since November 2024. This consistent and collaborative sampling effort, conducted in partnership with the dairy industry, provided the data needed to demonstrate that there are no signs of HPAI in the state’s milk supply or dairy herds and the overall risk remains low. The work of WSDA’s Food Safety inspectors was essential to meet USDA’s requirements. Stage 4: No HPAI detected in Washington dairy cattle



Washington currently has never had a confirmed case of HPAI in its dairy cattle. It is now one of the few states to reach stage 4, meaning it is officially recognized as unaffected by bird flu after completing regular testing and surveillance.

WSDA led this effort, working alongside the Northwest Dairy Association and independent dairy operators statewide. Representative milk samples were collected from all 237 dairy farms in the state and tested at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL) in Pullman, WA. Antone Mickelson, director of farm practices at the Northwest Dairy Association and Gena Reich at WSDA in food safety led the sample collection efforts.

“This effort wasn’t easy — it took coordination, logistics and support from many producers,” said Gena Reich, WSDA’s Food Safety & Consumer Services Policy and Performance Administrator.

Stage 4 requires continuous ongoing rounds of negative test results collected over an extended period, to maintain status and meet both WSDA and federal guidelines to confirm ongoing absence of HPAI in Washington’s dairy herds.

“The hard work and coordination of many people made this achievement a reality,” said Dr. Amber Itle, Washington State Veterinarian. “This was a tremendous industry led effort who genuinely understand the importance of cross industry collaboration and coordination to protect both cattle and avian health. Washington is incredibly fortunate to have a progressive industry and the most progressive National Animal Health Laboratory in the country to support this effort.”

The NMTS program plays a critical role in detecting diseases in dairy cattle and protecting the safety of the milk we consume. Thanks to continuous monitoring, Washington’s dairy farms are well prepared to respond quickly if any risks emerge. WSDA Veterinarians are also working to track lactating dairy cattle entering the state and also write enhanced biosecurity plans to protect farms from disease incursion.

“This milestone demonstrates the power of collaboration between local, state and federal partners, as well as producers — and shows what we can accomplish when we work together,” Dr. Itle said.

Jackie Madill, Executive Director of the Washington State Beef Commission, expressed, "I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals within Washington's milk and beef industries. This achievement is a testament to each and every one of them!"

Steve Seppi, the Executive Director of the Washington Dairy Commission, also commented, "Such progress is only possible when industry, academia, and government unite with a common goal."

Verification testing will continue periodically to maintain stage 4 status and ensure ongoing safety for both dairy producers and consumers.

To learn more about the NMTS program and what stage 4 means, visit the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.

To request a biosecurity plan email ahealth@agr.wa.gov .
https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=42477
​
 
Avian flu detected in house mice in Washington state

​October 30, 2025

Six house mice in Grant County, Washington, have been identified as having avian influenza, a mammal detection that is likely linked to increased avian influenza among wild birds in the same county.

According to an update from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the mice were collected on October 15.

Grant County, which is west of Spokane, recently had seven avian flu detections in wild birds, including several ducks and waterfowl. Those detections occurred on October 23.

Avian influenza detections in both wild birds and commercial poultry have skyrocketed in recent weeks as birds migrate south.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/avian-flu-detected-house-mice-washington-state
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h/t Treyfish

Grant County reports Bird Flu in cat, first instance in eastern Washington

by Allen Leister

Tue, January 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Updated Tue, January 27, 2026 at 5:36 PM​



GRANT COUNTY, Wash. - Health officials are urging pet owners and backyard poultry keepers to take precautions after a domestic cat and a small backyard flock tested positive for avian influenza in the past month.

The cat, an outdoor pet, likely became infected after contact with a wild bird carrying the virus, marking the first confirmed cat case in eastern Washington and the fourth in the state. The backyard flock, consisting of chickens and ducks, also tested positive, prompting state and local officials to offer guidance, testing, and preventive measures to the owners.

“I know there’s outdoor cats out there, but trying to have supervised time outside and really to try to keep them away from wild birds that they may catch and eat, that’s how the cat in Grant County was infected while other cats in Washington were infected through contaminated raw pet food,” said Lexi Smith, public information officer for the Grant County Health District.

Officials say the risk to humans remains low. Since 2022, Washington has reported four cat cases and 161 wild birds testing positive for bird flu, but no human infections in Grant County. People are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and animals, wash their hands frequently, and wear personal protective equipment if handling potentially infected animals. Backyard poultry owners should keep flocks contained, clean equipment regularly, and report sudden deaths to the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Bird flu, caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, can spread through saliva, mucus, or feces of infected birds. Cats can become ill after ingesting infected animals, while poultry often die suddenly from the virus. Some infected cats may recover, while others can become severely ill or die.

​https://keprtv.com/news/local/grant...u-in-cat-first-instance-in-eastern-washington
 
Grant County Health District

Grant County Reports Bird Flu Activity

GRANT COUNTY, WA – A domestic cat and a backyard poultry flock from two separate Grant County households have tested positive for avian influenza (bird flu) in the past month. Grant County Health District (GCHD) and Washington State Department of Agriculture have been working closely with the animal owners to provide guidance, testing, and offer preventive treatment. To date, there have been no human infections in Grant County.

The domestic cat was an outdoor pet and likely had contact with a wild bird that was infected with bird flu. Wild animals can carry diseases that may make companion animals sick. Pets that spend time outdoors are at higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases compared to animals kept indoors. This situation is not related to contaminated pet food.

While the risk to people is still considered low, there are steps you should take to keep you, your family and your pets safe.

“People and animals can get infected with bird flu during any time of the year,” said Amber McCoy, GCHD Investigations & Response Manager. “By taking steps to protect your pets and backyard flocks, you are also helping to protect yourself and your family.”

About Bird Flu

Bird flu, sometimes referred to as HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza), is a disease caused by influenza viruses that naturally occur among wild aquatic birds. Infected birds can spread the virus through their saliva, mucus, and feces. It can also infect other types of birds and animal species that scavenge or eat infected carcasses. The virus can also be found in the raw milk of infected dairy cattle. To date, Washington has not had a detection in dairy cattle.

Bird Flu and Cats

Cats that ingest infected birds, dead infected animals, or that are fed contaminated raw pet food or milk are especially vulnerable to bird flu. Some infected cats become very sick, and in some cases exhibit neurologic signs and die. Some cats will recover from the virus.

Symptoms in cats include:
  • Decreased energy and appetite
  • Respiratory signs like nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing
  • Neurological signs like trouble standing, overall lack of coordination, tremors, and seizure
Since 2022, 149 domestic cats in the U.S. have tested positive for bird flu, including four in Washington state. The recent case in Grant County is the first in Eastern Washington and the only one in the state not linked to contaminated pet food.

Bird Flu and Backyard Poultry

Domestic and backyard birds, including poultry and birds like ducks and emus, can become very ill if infected with bird flu and may die suddenly.

Earlier this month, a privately owned, small mixed flock of chickens and ducks in rural Grant County tested positive for bird flu. The flock owner took the appropriate steps by reporting the sudden deaths of several birds to WSDA’s sick bird hotline.

Since 2022, bird flu has been confirmed in 161 wild birds in Grant County. During an outbreak at a large commercial poultry facility in 2025, 12 mice also tested positive.

If you notice any sudden flock health changes, we encourage you to report this to WSDA by calling 1-800-606-3056.

Bird Flu & People

In rare cases, bird flu can make people sick through contact with the eyes, mouth or nose. This is more likely to occur in farm workers who have had close contact with infected animals or to environments where infected animals are or have been. No person-to-person spread of bird flu has been identified in the United States at this time.

There have been 71 confirmed human cases of bird flu reported in the U.S. and two confirmed deaths since 2022. Data on human cases of bird flu in Washington is available here: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/avian-influenza

Possible symptoms of bird flu include:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Eye redness or irritation
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Severe respiratory disease
What to Do if You Get Sick After Contact with Ill or Infected Animals

If you have symptoms of bird flu after being around wild or domestic animals suspected of being infected with bird flu, their environments, or supplies you should:
  • Contact your doctor right away
  • Inform your doctor that you were in contact with high-risk animals
  • Wear a face mask during all appointments
High Risk Groups

You’re at a higher risk of getting bird flu if you have close or prolonged contact with infected animals or their contaminated environments without proper protection. People who are immunocompromised, young or elderly are also at higher risk of infection.

To reduce your risk, avoid contact with sick or dead animals whenever possible and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when around possibly infected animals. Anyone with an increased risk of exposure to bird flu can request free PPE by calling GCHD at (509) 770-7960.

High risk groups may include:
How to Protect Yourself
  • Avoid contact with animals that could be infected with bird flu. Do not handle sick or dead birds or other animals.
  • Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. This is especially important after handling birds, pets, livestock, or anything in their environments.
  • Cook poultry, meat, and eggs thoroughly. Ensure all poultry, meat, and eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill potential viruses.
  • Wear recommended PPE. People with job-related exposures to infected birds or other infected animals should take additional precautions.
  • Avoid raw milk. Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk or consume products made from it, as they can carry harmful germs, including influenza viruses.
  • Protect pets.
    • Limit your pets’ unsupervised time outdoors to prevent them from hunting wild birds or other animals
    • Do not let hunting dogs retrieve or have contact with sick birds or birds found deceased
    • Do not feed your animals raw milk or uncooked meat, including raw pet food diets
    • Talk with your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about bird flu in a pet
  • Protect backyard poultry and livestock.
    • Keep wild birds out of animal/ poultry areas
    • Cover coops and store food securely
    • Keep your birds contained and undercover
    • Clean water buckets/ troughs tubs used for bird/ livestock watering daily
    • Keep your birds away from wild waterfowl and areas where they gather, such as lakes, ponds, and irrigation canals
    • Keep species separate (i.e. ducks should NOT be co-housed with chickens)
    • Disinfect equipment often and don’t share equipment with other farms
    • Have dedicated clothing and shoes to care for your animals that you do not wear off your property or bring inside your home
    • Clean up feed spills, and keep food and water covered
  • Consider getting the seasonal flu vaccine. The flu shot will not protect you from bird flu but will help decrease the chance of the virus mutating. The flu shot can also help keep your immune system strong and less vulnerable to other infections, including bird flu.
What to Do if You Encounter Sick or Dead Birds or Livestock:
  • Avoid direct contact with the animal. Use PPE if you must handle the animal.
  • If you have had contact with infected animals or their environments, monitor for symptoms for 10 days after your last exposure. Contact GCHD at (509) 770-7960 for guidance.
  • Report sick/dead domestic animals to the Washington State Department of Agriculture online or by calling 1-800-606-3056.
  • Report sick/dead wild birds or wildlife to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife using their online report form.
More Information

​... https://granthealth.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/120

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Related to Sharon's post above:

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Red Foxes on San Juan Island Test Positive for Avian Influenza

SJC Health & Community Services News Posted on February 20, 2026

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. February 20, 2026 – Two red foxes on San Juan Island have tested positive for avian influenza. At this time there are no confirmed human cases of avian influenza in San Juan County. Living in the islands gives us the special chance to be close to nature and wildlife but it is important to take simple steps to help keep ourselves, our families, and our pets safe from diseases that animals may carry.

Please do not approach, touch, or try to help wild animals – even if they look calm or friendly. Wild animals can carry diseases that can spread to people and pets, like avian influenza, rabies, and more. For your safety, keep a safe distance and report sick or dead wildlife to local officials.

Here is how to report both wild and domestic sick or dead birds and wildlife:
Avian influenza, also known as 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 severe disease in poultry species such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, or guinea fowl. Avian influenza viruses can spread to backyard flocks through interactions with wild birds or contaminated environments. Multiple species of wild migratory birds are known to carry the virus and travel through San Juan County each year. It can be fatal to both wild birds and domestic poultry. Because of this risk, it is important to prevent wild birds and other wildlife from coming into contact with your poultry.

On rare occasions, bird flu viruses can infect people and make them sick. Most instances of people becoming infected have happened after prolonged, close contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with avian influenza. The majority of reported cases of human illness due to avian influenza in the United States have been mild, but illness can be severe and, rarely, lead to death.

Avian influenza infections in people are rare and risk to the public remains low. However, people who have or have had close contact with infected animals, such as backyard flock keepers, people who work with animals, and hunters, may be at higher risk. Here are tips to reduce your risk of infection:
  • Do not handle wild birds and wild animals. Observe from a distance, if possible. Wild birds and other wild animals can be infected with avian influenza viruses even if they don’t look sick.
  • Avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds (poultry) or other animals that may be sick, have died, are suspected to have bird flu virus infection, or may have had contact with wild birds.  
  • Do not touch surfaces that appear to be contaminated with animal feces, raw milk, litter, or other materials contaminated by birds.   
    • If you need to clean up bird feces, such as underneath a bird feeder or on outdoor furniture, wear gloves and use a disinfectant such as 1 part bleach to 10 parts water or a benzalkonium chloride-based commercial disinfectant (such as Lysol spray or a similar product). Thoroughly wet the area to be cleaned with the disinfectant and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping with a disposable cloth or paper towel. Discard used cloths or towels in a sealing trash can. Wash hands with soap and water immediately.
  • Do not prepare or eat raw or undercooked meat or related food products, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw cheeses.
  • If you have a backyard bird flock and suspect some of your birds may have avian influenza virus, take extra precautions to keep yourself safe.  
  • If you are a hunter who handles wild birds, practice good hygiene to prevent any potential disease spread. Wear disposable gloves and dress game birds in the field when possible. It is extremely unlikely that hunters or people feeding wild birds will contract bird flu, but taking common-sense precautions is recommended to reduce the risk of contracting any wildlife disease.
  • Speak with your medical provider about getting the seasonal flu vaccine. It is especially important that people who may have exposure to sick birds get a seasonal flu vaccine. While the seasonal flu vaccine will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, it will reduce the risk of getting sick with human and bird flu viruses at the same time. Co-infection is dangerous because it increases the chance that the two viruses could combine and create a new, greater human health hazard.
  • For pet owners: Cats that ingest infected birds, dead infected animals, or that are fed contaminated raw pet food or milk are especially vulnerable to bird flu. Some infected cats become very sick, and in some cases exhibit neurologic signs and die. Some cats will recover from the virus. If you suspect your cat or pet may have avian influenza, contact your veterinarian, who will then contact Washington State Department of Agriculture Animal Health. Make sure to tell your veterinarian if your pet had known or suspected contact with another avian influenza infected animal or person so they can take appropriate precautions.
Thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community safe.

Relevant URLs:
Media Contact:

Environmental Health Division, envhealth@sanjuancountywa.gov, 360-378-4474

About San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services

San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services is responsible for community and environmental health, mental health and substance abuse programs, senior services, affordable housing projects, and more. The department has staff and offices on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1777/Health-Community-Services.

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https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/2114
 
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