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Washington state 2025-26 Avian Flu in Poultry

Commonground

Commonground

Senior Moderator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/24/2025​
WSDA CONFIRMS FIRST BIRD FLU CASE OF 2025

OLYMPIA – Washington state’s first 2025 detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), often referred to as bird flu, in a commercial flock has been confirmed. A large commercial flock in Franklin County reported the suspected virus to Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) officials over the past week.

The highly contagious virus spreads rapidly in poultry environments, causing severe illness or death among infected birds.

The large operation reported high numbers of sudden death in their chickens at one of their farms on Jan. 22. Other birds were lethargic and showing additional signs of illness, prompting an investigation by state and federal veterinarians.

The Washington Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL) received samples the same day and reported “non-negative” results. State officials label “non-negative” results as “presumptive positive” until confirmatory results are in. The results were confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) late Friday, January 24.

State officials quarantined the affected premises to prevent the spread of disease. Rapid, humane euthanasia of all birds on the premises is critical to contain the outbreak. Poultry products from the flock will not enter the food supply system.

With 54 flocks (51 domestic and three commercial) infected since 2022, WSDA Avian Health Program Lead and Commercial Flock Liaison, Dr. Dana Dobbs urges bird owners, commercial and domestic, to continue their dedication to enhanced biosecurity efforts. This includes bringing free ranging birds under cover if at all possible and limiting any exposure to wild waterfowl or places they congregate.​

continued: https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-...en-US&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery



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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...za/hpai-detections/commercial-backyard-flocks
 
For immediate release: 2/11/2025
Media Contact: Amber Betts
Media Inquiries: 360-628-3477
Public Inquiries:
WSDA confirms HPAI in Mason County


OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirms Mason County’s first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) in domestic birds, detected in a small backyard flock of ducks.

The initial report of sick birds came in to state veterinarians last week, with confirmatory results received late Monday Feb. 10.

WSDA veterinarians say bird owners in Washington should continue to take precautions to protect their flocks.
“The virus remains present in the environment, and we continue to recommend enhanced biosecurity,” Dr. Dana Dobbs, Avian Health Lead for the Washington State Veterinarian’s office, said.

Flock owners within 10 kilometers (or approximately 6 miles) of a detection are in a surveillance zone and are encouraged to self-report the health of their flock. WSDA encourages flock owners to use the online surveillance self-reporting tool to facilitate self-reporting and visit the interactive map to check if you are in a surveillance zone. State veterinarians want to contact every flock owner in a surveillance area to check on the health of their flock; self-reporting allows a veterinarian to make phone contact to discuss biosecurity and what symptoms to look for without having to make in-person contact.

State veterinarians say the biggest risk factor to date is direct contact with wild waterfowl.

Since May 5, 2022, when the WSDA announced the first Washington case, the majority of 55 affected flocks (three commercial, 52 backyard) have had contact with wild waterfowl.

Protecting your birds

Maintaining enhanced biosecurity involves keeping birds sheltered and restricting access to water sources where wild waterfowl gather and interact with domestic flocks. It is also a good idea to clean up any feed spills, limit visitors to the coop, and refrain from sharing equipment with other flock owners.

Resources for flock owners to learn about bird flu and protect their birds include WSDA’s bird flu webpage, an interactive map, frequently asked questions, the WSDA Facebook group, and USDA’s Defend the Flock webpage.

Reporting signs of illness

If your flock experiences sudden death or illness of multiple birds, call WSDA’s Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056, or use the online reporting tool. Birds that have already died should be double-bagged and kept in a cooler on ice until WSDA veterinarians can arrange for sampling. Veterinarians also recommend not allowing scavenger birds to have access to dead domestic fowl, as this can further spread the virus. Sick or dead wild birds should not be touched or moved and can be reported using the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online reporting tool.

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https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=42047
 
Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Author: Kim Vaughn
Protect Your Flock: Bird flu risks rise with fall migration




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As migratory birds return to Washington this fall, they bring with them the continued threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, putting both backyard and commercial flocks at risk. Avian influenza is a deadly disease for chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and a variety of other poultry and game birds.



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Since the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak began in the United States in February 2022, there have been 1,709 confirmed poultry flocks infected as of July 2025. These include:
  • 788 commercial flocks
  • 921 backyard flocks
In Washington state there have been 55 total flocks affected by HPAI. This involved 2,167,079 birds across 20 counties. The last detection in the state was Feb. 10, 2025 in a Mason County backyard flock.
  • 1 commercial flock (infected 3 times)
  • 52 backyard flocks
Wild birds, especially waterfowl like ducks and geese, often carry the virus without showing symptoms. That means your flock could be exposed before you realize there’s a threat. The time to act is now to protect your birds and our state’s agricultural communities.
What bird owners need to know


Dr. Amber Itle, Washington State Veterinarian, explains that waterfowl from around the world often gather in Alaska during the summer, where they mix, exchange, and reshape viruses. As they migrate to Washington in the fall, they can bring new strains of avian influenza—some of which have spilled over into dairy cattle. “Every backyard flock is vulnerable right now. The biggest risk factors include water features like ponds or food sources that attract migrating waterfowl. People need to be alert — we often see a spike in bird flu cases this time of year.”

She noted that bird flu can progress rapidly. A flock might appear healthy one day and suffer sudden, high mortality the next. Both backyard flocks and commercial poultry farms are at risk.


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How to protect your flock this fall


Bird flu spreads quickly, but you can take simple steps to help stop it:
  • Keep your birds and their food and water enclosed or under cover to avoid contact with wild birds.
  • Avoid areas where waterfowl gather, like lakes, ponds, and canals.
  • Disinfect coops, tools, and footwear regularly.
  • Wear gloves, separate clothes, and dedicated boots when tending to your flock.
  • Limit visitors and never share equipment with other bird owners.
  • Watch for signs like coughing, sneezing, lethargy, or sudden death in multiple birds over a short period of time.
If you see signs of illness or unexplained deaths in your birds, call the WSDA Avian Health Program at 1-800-606-3056.

To report sick or dead wild birds, use this reporting tool.



Food and public safety


There is no risk to the food supply, infected birds or eggs are not allowed into the market. Additionally, no cases of avian flu have been detected on Washington dairy farms, and human health risk remains low.
Though rare, human cases have been reported elsewhere in people with direct, prolonged exposure to infected birds. These cases involved mild symptoms and no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

If you must handle potentially infected birds, use protective gear: gloves, goggles, N95 mask, hair covering, coveralls, and rubber boots.
Resources:
For full guidance and up-to-date information, visit our HPAI webpage.

Federal government webpages:
Washington State government webpages:
Washington State Department of Agriculture blogs:
Other resources:
​https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/blog-posts?article=44427
 
WSDA CONFIRMS HPAI IN GRANT COUNTY


OLYMPIA – October 10, 2025 – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirms Grant County’s first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, among sick birds in a large commercial poultry facility.
The initial report of sick birds came in to state veterinarians on October 7, 2025. Test results confirmed the cases.
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continued: https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=44842

Also:
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Last Modified: October 28, 2025
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals

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WSDA CONFIRMS HPAI IN DOMESTIC FLOCKS IN THREE WASHINGTON COUNTIES

​OLYMPIA, WA. — Nov. 20, 2025 — Fall migration of wild waterfowl is peaking in Washington State bringing high risk of avian influenza (bird flu) to domestic flocks statewide. Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirms new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or bird flu) in domestic birds in Whatcom, Grays Harbor and Snohomish County at this time. These are the most recent confirmed domestic flock detections in the state, and reports of sick domestic and wild birds continue statewide.

Flock owners within 6 miles (10 kilometers) of these detections are in a surveillance zone and are encouraged to self-report any sudden health changes of their flock using WSDA’s online reporting tool and interactive map.

"The recent flurry of detections shows that bird flu is present across Washington. Every poultry owner, no matter where they live, should be on guard and take biosecurity seriously to protect their flocks. Keeping migrating waterfowl away from your flock is a critical protective measure" — Dr. Amber Itle, State Veterinarian, Washington State Department of Agriculture

Backyard flocks account for most domestic HPAI detections among poultry in Washington. Contact with wild birds or a shared environment is the primary risk, and strong biosecurity is essential.
Key biosecurity steps: Protect your flock
  • Keep birds housed undercover or in covered runs
  • Prevent access to water sources, ponds or lakes
  • Keep domestic species separate (i.e. domestic waterfowl and poultry)
  • Store feed in sealed containers and clean up spilled feed promptly
  • Limit visitors to your coop
  • Avoid sharing equipment with other flock owners
  • Employ wild bird, wildlife and rodent mitigation strategies
Resources to help protect your birds include:
Human safety reminders:
While rare, avian influenza can spread from birds to people and make them sick. People who come into contact with infected birds or animals or their environments should be aware of the risk of avian influenza so that they can take proper precautions, including handwashing, wearing personal protective equipment, and storing shoes and other supplies used when caring for birds outside the home. That’s also why it’s so important not to bring sick wild birds into your home — doing so can put you, your family, and your flock at risk of avian influenza spread.

For more information on human transmission of avian influenza, visit the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) H5N1 page.
Additional DOH Resources:
Reporting signs of illness

If multiple birds in your flock suddenly die or become ill, call the WSDA Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056 or use the online reporting tool. Double-bag dead birds and keep them on ice until WSDA arranges sampling. Do not handle dead or visibly ill wild birds — report them to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Important reminder: Handling sick wild or domestic birds or bringing them indoors can spread bird flu and may pose a risk to both human and pet health.

For more tools and resources on how to stay informed, visit: Bird Flu | Washington State Department of Agriculture
Media note: WSDA will issue a news release for each new county with a detection. Updates on subsequent detections in a county will appear on WSDA’s 2022–25 HPAI Detections chart.
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https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=45183
 
[please see https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/united-states/h5n1-tracking-af/washington/1005784-washington-state-2025-26-avian-flu-in-poultry?p=1024288#post1024288. And H5 in wild birds in San Juan https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/united-states/h5n1-tracking-af/washington/948513-washington-state-2022-2025-bird-flu-in-wild-birds?p=1024090#post1024090]

Posted on: December 2, 2025 | Last Modified on: December 2, 2025
Avian Influenza in Domestic Flock Confirmed in San Juan County

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 2, 2025 – A local backyard flock and a wild bird have tested positive for avian influenza. San Juan County Health & Community Services is contacting people with exposure to avian influenza-infected birds to monitor for symptoms as a precautionary measure.

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 significant mortality in poultry species such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, or guinea fowl. Avian influenza typically spreads to backyard flocks through their interactions with wild birds. Multiple species of wild migratory birds are known to carry the virus and travel through San Juan County each year, and it can be fatal to both wild birds and domestic poultry.

Here is how to report both wild and domestic sick and dead birds:
On rare occasions, bird flu viruses can 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. Illness in humans from bird flu viruses has ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease that resulted in death. At this time there are no confirmed human cases of avian influenza in San Juan County.

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, agriculture workers, 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 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.
  • Do not prepare or eat raw or undercooked meat or related food products, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw cheeses. Highly susceptible populations (e.g., individuals who are immunocompromised) are more likely than the public to develop foodborne illnesses from eating raw or undercooked foods.
  • 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. Dress game birds in the field when possible. It is extremely unlikely that hunters or people feeding wild birds will contract bird flu, but following 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 appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness from avian influenza infection and multiple cases of domestic and wild cats dying from avian influenza infections have been reported in the U.S. The most common route of exposure for cats appears to be the consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk or dairy products or raw or undercooked meat. 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.
Mental Health Resources

Backyard flocks are often beloved pets, making situations like this emotionally challenging for owners of backyard flocks. Reaching out for help is always a sign of strength! If you notice changes in your emotions or thinking, or if it is more difficult for you to care for yourself, your family, or your animals, consider turning to a friend, clergy member, or medical provider. If a situation could be life-threatening, get immediate emergency help by dialing 9-1-1.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, have suicidal thoughts, or simply need to talk to someone, please call, text or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.

Other resources:
  • Farm Aid: Farm Aid connects farmers with helpful services and resources. Fill out an Online Request for Assistance form (below). For assistance call the Farmer Hotline Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time: 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243) (Request For Assistance Form) or email farmhelp@farmaid.org
  • Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program (WRASAP): WRASAP is a group of organizations and community members across the Western region who provide support, resources and funding opportunities to agricultural communities including farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, and their families. To connect to WRADDAP services in your area, fill out a contact form:https://farmstress.us/contact/
For more information and updates, go to the San Juan County website at www.sanjuancountywa.gov.

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.

https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2056



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WSDA CONFIRMS HPAI IN DOMESTIC FLOCKS IN JEFFERSON, SAN JUAN, AND CLARK COUNTIES

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OLYMPIA, WA — Dec. 3, 2025 — Fall migration of wild waterfowl continues to drive high statewide risk of avian influenza (bird flu). Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has confirmed new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or bird flu) in domestic flocks in Jefferson County, San Juan, and Clark counties.

These detections bring this year’s total number of affected counties to 10. Since the beginning of the outbreak period in 2022, 4.1 million domestic birds have been euthanized across 24 counties in Washington state. Over the past month, WSDA also recorded first-time detections in Grant, Island and Grays Harbor counties, underscoring how widely the virus is circulating. Reports of sick domestic and wild birds continue across Washington.

Flock owners within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Jefferson and San Juan detections fall under a surveillance zone. Anyone shown within this surveillance zone is encouraged to self-report any sudden flock health changes using WSDA’s online reporting tool.

Flocks in surveillance zones may be at increased risk and are an indicator that infected migrating waterfowl are in the area. To date, all 63 detections in Washington state have been due to contact with wild birds or their shared environment.

Dr. Amber Itle, State Veterinarian with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, said bird flu isn’t new to Washington and has been the longest and most deadly outbreak on record. The continued spread of HPAI shows how persistent the virus is in migrating birds. With migration peaking, she said the risk to domestic flocks is extremely high but preventable with strong biosecurity.
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“Bird flu is an extremely painful and deadly disease of all domestic poultry. It is so sad to see our feathered friends suffer and so hard to work with flock owners who face losses and emotional strain. I can’t stress enough the importance of bringing your birds undercover and away from wild birds to protect them; the best gift you can give them this holiday season,” she said.

“Each new detection is a reminder that it hasn’t gone away — and every flock owner should double down on biosecurity. The risk doesn’t fade just because we’ve seen this before.”

— Dr. Amber Itle, State Veterinarian, Washington State Department of Agriculture

Backyard flocks continue to represent most domestic HPAI detections in the state. Contact with wild birds or contaminated environments remains the primary risk pathway, making daily biosecurity essential.​

https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=45291
 
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