The federal agency Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is continuing to monitor and respond to a multistate outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (commonly known as bird flu) virus. H5N1 is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in U.S. poultry and dairy cows. As of May 30, 2024, there have been three recent human cases in U.S. dairy workers in Texas and Michigan. Each case reported no severe symptoms. Avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses have only rarely been transmitted from person to person, but officials are taking precautions to mitigate transmission from animals to people.
This current outbreak has been circulating in wild birds around the world and was first detected in the U.S. in January 2022. H5N1 has also infected domestic poultry, including commercial and backyard flocks, as well as wild and domestic mammals. It was first identified in Washington State in a backyard flock in May 2022. Public health officials are working with local, state, and federal partners to monitor H5N1 in Washington. There are currently no confirmed or suspected cases in Washington State.
While the current risk to the public is low, Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services is responding locally by providing information and personal protective equipment (PPE) to livestock owners by request. People who own or have contact with poultry, livestock, or other animals should be aware of the risk of exposure to avian influenza so that they can take proper precautions and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services recommends the following protective actions for people:
- Wash hands immediately before and after working with animals.
- Do not consume raw milk.
- Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible.
- Avoid contact with wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died.
- Avoid unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them.
- Minimize domestic flock exposure to wild birds.
- Keep animals physically separated by species.
Farmers who would like to receive additional information, as well as PPE, can contact Brandi Beedle at (360) 795-6207 ext 231 or beedleb@co.wahkiakum.wa.us
For updated information, please visit https://doh.wa.gov/avian-influenza.