Avian Flu Resources

This spring, the United States saw a widespread outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). HPAI can be deadly to domesticated poultry species, putting commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks at risk. This strain of HPAI is not considered to be dangerous to humans. 

Pierce County has identified HPAI in two small backyard flocks near Roy. Thurston and King counties are also seeing documented cases in backyard flocks. As of early June, no commercial flocks in any part of the state have been infected. Any infected flocks will be eradicated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture to reduce the potential spread of the virus.

HPAI is spread to domesticated poultry from direct and indirect interactions with wild waterfowl species. As these migratory species complete their seasonal migrations, they are likely to stop to feed or rest in areas with standing or slow-moving water. Due to our prolonged wet season this year, there are more areas with standing water to attract these birds. Infected waterfowl may show no signs of disease, but they can easily transmit HPAI to domesticated birds through direct contact, which includes human interference and transmission, or through indirect contact, whereby domesticated birds feed, swim, or rest in areas visited by infected species.

There are many resources available to commercial poultry producers and people who maintain backyard flocks. Please take the time to learn more about HPAI, its potential impacts to local farms, and how you can help reduce its spread.