June 30, 2022

Kitsap County poultry flock tests positive for bird flu

Kitsap is the 11th Washington county with bird flu detected in domestic flocks.

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — A backyard flock in Kitsap County tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on Wednesday, June 29.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture reported Kitsap was the 11th Washington county with bird flu detected in domestic flocks, with 27 infected flocks statewide. All infected flocks have had contact with wild waterfowl, which are known to transmit the virus without showing symptoms.  

No human cases of HPAI have been reported in Washington state. Risk to humans from this virus is believed to be low. 

The state Department of Agriculture has posted resources for flock owners to learn about bird flu and protect their flocks, including a bird flu webpage with information about each confirmed flock with HPAI, an interactive map, frequently asked questions, and a Facebook group dedicated to updates about bird flu in Washington. 

Kitsap Public Health District shared information on HPAI with local health care providers in a May 16 health advisory. 

REPORTING SICK OR DEAD BIRDS

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

PREVENTING BIRD FLU

• The best way to protect your poultry flock from bird flu is to prevent your flock from coming into contact with wild birds — especially waterfowl — and wild bird droppings.
  
  
• If possible, keep your birds in a confined area with a roof that does not allow water through.
   
• More information on bird flu prevention is available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Defend the Defend the Flock program.

CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org