With Avian Influenza (aka: Bird Flu) back in the news, people may wonder about risks to our community. There are important steps that we all can take to protect ourselves and our pets from bird flu:
- Food safety practices are always important. Cook foods to safe internal temperatures (165 degrees Fahrenheit for poultry products including meat and eggs). To eat eggs raw or undercooked, use only pasteurized eggs or egg products. Avoid feeding raw pet food products, including raw milk or raw meat to pets.
- Avoid contact with sick or dead wild and domestic animals and prevent pets from hunting or scavenging sick or dead animals.
- If you own backyard birds or hunt waterfowl, follow the tips below.
CURRENT REPORT
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has confirmed the first 2025 detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in Franklin County. The affected premises are quarantined, and all birds will be humanely euthanized to contain the outbreak. Poultry products from the flock will not enter the food supply. Bird owners should enhance biosecurity to prevent further spread.
Read More: News Releases | Washington State Department of Agriculture
Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) is working closely with WSDA and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and is monitoring for symptoms among people in contact with the affected flock, providing prevention recommendations and providing testing and treatment when needed. So far, no illnesses associated with this detection have been reported. In 2024, 14 cases of avian influenza in people associated with a commercial poultry detection were reported from Franklin County.
Bird flu viruses occur naturally in wild bird populations (including gulls, terns, ducks, geese, and swans, among others). However, in domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys, HPAI is devastating to flocks. On rare occasions, bird flu viruses infect people and make them sick. This typically only happens to people who have close contact with infected birds or other animals or environments where infected animals have been present. Infected birds or other animals shed the virus in their saliva, mucous and feces. People can get infected if the virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth or if it is breathed in.
Help prevent the spread of avian influenza by following these tips below.
TIPS FOR PROPERLY HANDLING FOOD (FDA)
- Make sure poultry and eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which kills bacteria and viruses. Ground beef should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and whole cuts of beef cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit and allowed to rest for 3 minutes. Pasteurization kills bacteria and viruses in milk and eggs.
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
- Clean your cutting boards, dishes, utensils and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item.
- Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, including poultry or eggs, unless the plate has been washed in hot, soapy water.
Avoid feeding raw pet food products, including raw milk or raw meat to pets.
PROTECTING YOUR DOMESTIC BACKYARD FLOCK
Domestic flock owners in the Tri-Cities are encouraged to self-report sudden death or illness in multiple birds through the WSDA online surveillance self-reporting tool or by calling: 1-800-606-3056.
Here are some tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA to protect your flock at home:
- Don't allow your flock to come in contact with wild birds. Secure feed bins and water to prevent wildlife contamination.
- Wash hands and scrub boots before and after entering a poultry area. Wear disposable boot covers and coveralls when possible.
- Keep shoes, clothes, hands, egg trays or flats, crates, vehicles and tires disinfected between handling each flock.
- Isolate any birds returning from shows for 30 days to observe for signs of illness before placing them with the rest of your flock and buy birds from reputable sources.
- Prevent visitors from having contact with your flock, if you have visitors make sure they follow the biosecurity plan you have written.
TIPS FOR BIRD HUNTERS - PROPERLY HANDLING GAME
To avoid exposure to bird flu, bacteria or other wildlife diseases, bird hunters should follow the safety guidelines set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington State Department of Health:
- Do not dispose of processed carcasses in a field where raptors could eat them. Bag them and place them in the garbage, bury them or incinerate them.
- Carefully disinfect all equipment (boots, clothes, vehicles, firearms) and work surfaces (use 10% solution of chlorine bleach to clean tools).
- Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are sick or found dead. Prevent dogs from having contact with or eating sick or dead wild birds.
- Wear rubber or disposable gloves, an N95 respirator or well-fitting facemask, and eye protection when dressing birds.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while cleaning the game.
- Wash hands with soap, water or alcohol wipes immediately after handling the game or cleaning bird feeders.
- Avoid contamination by keeping raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods.
Report sick or dead wild birds or other animals online to the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife.
EXPERIENCING FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS?
If you experience flu-like symptoms following contact with sick or dead birds or other animals, contact your local health jurisdiction (Benton-Franklin Health District - 509.460.4200) who can provide public health guidance and initiate symptom monitoring.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting a seasonal flu vaccine every year. This will decrease the likelihood of being infected with human seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES