A Whatcom County flock has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu.
The flock contains about 20 birds, including chickens, turkeys and ducks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will euthanize the remaining birds to prevent the spread of disease, according to a Whatcom County health department news release. Public health officials have contacted people who interacted with the infected birds to monitor for the development of symptoms.
The health department said the risk of bird flu transmission remains low for the public, but people who have close contact with infected animals may be at higher risk.
There are now 53 confirmed human cases of H5N1 as of Nov. 20, with 11 in Washington. A teenager infected in British Columbia is in critical condition. The Whatcom County health department said there is no evidence of person-to-person spread, and no confirmed cases in the county.
People with flocks or herds should be aware of the signs of avian influenza in their flocks and report sick or dead domestic birds to the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Avian Health Program at 1-800-606-3056, the health department said in the news release.
For people who were exposed to avian influenza or have symptoms, the health department recommends contacting your health care provider and telling them of any contact with live or dead birds or animals.
While the seasonal flu and bird flu are caused by “different subtypes of influenza viruses,” the health department recommends people get their seasonal flu vaccine to defend themselves against seasonal flu and reduce the risk of “co-infection” with bird flu.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
