The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic bird flocks located in Jefferson, San Juan, and Clark counties. The agency is urging poultry owners to take precautions to protect their birds from the disease.
According to the WSDA, signs of HPAI infection in birds can include neurological symptoms such as circling, loss of coordination, and abnormal head position. Other indicators are depression, isolation or ruffled feathers, a drop in egg production, reduced feed or water consumption, swollen eyes or wattles, blue combs, and respiratory distress.
To reduce the risk of infection among domestic flocks, the WSDA recommends several biosecurity measures. These include keeping birds housed undercover or in covered runs; restricting access to water sources like ponds or lakes where wild birds gather; keeping domestic birds away from wild waterfowl; storing feed in sealed containers and cleaning up spilled feed promptly; limiting visitors to coops; avoiding sharing equipment with other flock owners; and employing strategies to mitigate contact with wild birds, wildlife, and rodents.
The WSDA provides additional resources for flock owners through its Bird Flu Webpage and an Interactive Surveillance Map. There are also Frequently Asked Questions available online as well as a WSDA Backyard Flock Facebook Group for community support. National resources such as USDA Defend the Flock offer further guidance on preventing avian influenza.
“Prepare for a healthy family and flock,” states information provided by the agency. Resources including a hunters fact sheet, avian influenza guidance for backyard flock owners, and PPE safety cards are available for those seeking more information.
For more details on how to protect domestic poultry from HPAI outbreaks and access official recommendations:
– Visit the WSDA Bird Flu Webpage
– Check the Interactive Surveillance Map
– Review Frequently Asked Questions
– Join the WSDA Backyard Flock Facebook Group
– Explore national guidance at USDA Defend the Flock
