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Posted on: November 13, 2025
Protect Yourself and Your Flock From Avian Influenza
Migratory birds that travel through our area can spread H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu, to backyard flocks.
A recent die-off of approximately 25 wild birds in the Wiser Lake area tested positive for avian influenza virus (AIV), serving as a reminder that AIV is spreading among migratory birds in Whatcom County and other areas of Washington state. This incident, while not unique, highlights the need to take precautions to protect both backyard flocks and humans.
What to do if you find a sick or dead wild bird or animal
- Do not touch or handle any sick bird or other wild animal, and do not attempt to transport them to a veterinarian or your own property for treatment. Moving animals that are infected with avian influenza can spread the virus to new areas.
- Report sick or dead domestic birds to Washington State Department of Agriculture's Avian Health Program: 1-800-606-3056. Visit the Washington State Department of Agriculture Avian Influenza page for more information about how to protect backyard flocks.
- Report sick or dead wild birds or mammals to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife using the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
- If you need to move a dead animal to keep your pet or others away from it, wear disposable gloves and an N95 mask. Double-bag the animal and place it in a trash can with a secure lid outside the home.
- Waterfowl and upland bird hunters should follow standard safety steps, including wearing gloves while processing or butchering game birds. Do not dispose of carcasses in the field. Double-bag the animal and put it in the trash. Be sure to wash your hands after handling dead birds.
- When possible, do not harvest or handle wild birds that appear sick or are found dead. Additional tips are available in this WDFW blog post.
“Last winter, Whatcom County saw a backyard flock infected with H5N1, and in other parts of Washington State, humans were infected through close contact with chickens that had become infected,” said Dr. Amy Harley, Whatcom County Co-Health Officer. “H5N1 is very contagious among birds. While the risk of transmission to humans is low, basic precautions help keep people safe.”
There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of this type of avian influenza at this time, and all reported human cases in Washington State have had close contact with infected domestic animals or their environment. As a precaution, people who have had known contact with infected birds or other animals, or show symptoms associated with avian influenza after coming into contact with birds or wildlife, should contact Whatcom County Health and Community Services at 360-778-6000.
It's also important to protect your health by getting the seasonal flu vaccine, recommended for everyone six months and older. Although it doesn't prevent avian flu, it prevents severe disease from human flu and helps lower the risk of catching both human and bird flu simultaneously.
How to protect your backyard flock from avian influenza
Backyard flock owners are strongly encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their birds and reduce the risk of spreading the virus:
- Cover chicken coops and runs to prevent contact with wild birds.
- Wear dedicated clothing and shoes while working with birds to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
- Wash your hands before and after working with birds.
- Avoid all contact with wild birds or shared water sources by covering ponds with netting or fencing your domestic birds out of those areas.
- Change food and water daily. Store all feed in airtight containers.
- Clean and disinfect equipment in contact with birds or droppings.
- After visiting places with poultry, change your clothing and clean your footwear before caring for your birds.
- Learn more about protecting backyard flocks (PDF).
Nationally, cases have been found in dairy cattle in several states, though not in Washington herds. The rise in confirmed cases nationwide underscores the importance of vigilance, particularly among dairy and poultry farm workers, individuals with backyard flocks of chickens, hunters, and those with work-related or recreational contact with wildlife.
Food Safety
- Always thoroughly cook meat products to recommended temperatures.
- It is not recommended to feed raw meat diets to your pets or to consume raw (unpasteurized) milk or raw milk cheeses.
- Chicken, eggs, and other poultry products are safe to eat when properly handled and cooked. Be sure to follow these steps for safer food:
- Wash your hands and clean and sanitize work surfaces and equipment.
- Do not wash raw meat, poultry products, or eggs. Washing these foods can spread germs.
- Separate raw meat from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cook poultry thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
- Keep poultry stored at 41°F or below or in the freezer at 0°F or below.
- For more information on food safety: Four Steps to Food Safety.
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5222
