Whatcom County Health and Community Services advises individuals to take steps to reduce the spread of avian influenza among animals and recognize activities that put people at risk of infection.
H5N1, a type of avian flu, is a significant risk for wild and domesticated birds. In rare cases, it can spread from birds to humans, especially through direct contact with infected animals or their secretions. This week, authorities have confirmed two positive cases of H5N1 transmission from chickens to humans in Washington State.
Other animals can also be infected with H5N1 and potentially spread the disease to humans who have close contact with them. Cases have been found in dairy cattle in several states, though not in Washington herds. The rise in confirmed cases nationwide emphasizes the need for vigilance, especially among dairy and poultry farm workers, those who have backyard flocks of chickens, or other work-related or recreational contact with wildlife.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when in close contact with sick or dead animals including poultry, wild birds, backyard bird flocks, or other animals, animal feces, litter, or materials potentially contaminated with H5N1 viruses.
People exposed to sick birds or other animals should monitor themselves for new respiratory illness symptoms, including conjunctivitis (eye redness)
Obtaining seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with H5N1, but reduces the risk of getting sick with human seasonal influenza viruses and therefore the risk for being simultaneously infected with human flu and bird flu. Co-infection with both strains of flu could potentially lead to the H5N1 virus changing to transmit more easily in humans.
There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly stored and prepared food. It’s always safest to drink pasteurized milk products and to cook poultry, eggs, and other animal products to the right temperature and avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. Be sure to follow these tips for safe handling and preparation of food.
How to protect your backyard flock from avian influenza
Backyard flock owners are strongly encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their birds and reduce the risk of spreading the virus:
- Cover chicken coops and runs to prevent contact with other wild birds
- Wear dedicated clothing and shoes while working with birds to reduce the risk of cross-contamination
- Wash hands before and after working with birds
- Avoid all contact with wild birds or shared water sources by covering ponds with netting, or fencing your domestic birds out of those areas
- Change food and water daily. Store all feed in airtight containers
- Remove birdhouses, feeders and baths used by wild birds
- Clean and disinfect equipment in contact with birds or droppings
- After visiting places where poultry owners congregate, clean your boots before caring for your birds.
Learn more about protecting backyard flocks here.
What to do if you find a sick or dead wild bird or animal
- Do not touch or handle any sick bird or other wild animal and do not attempt to transport them to a veterinarian or your own property for treatment. Moving sick animals can spread the virus to areas where it wasn’t before.
- Report sick/dead domestic birds to Washington State Department of Agriculture's Avian Health Program: 1-800-606-3056 or visit Avian Influenza | Washington State Department of Agriculture for more information about how to protect backyard flocks
- If you find a sick or dead wild bird, report it to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife using this online form.
- If you need to move a dead animal to keep your pet away from it, wear disposable gloves, double-bag the animal, and push it deep into the trash to keep scavengers away from it.
- Bird hunters should follow standard safety steps, including not disposing of carcasses in the field. Double-bag the animal and put it in the trash.
H5N1 is very contagious among birds, but the risk to people is low. This current strain of bird flu does not appear to easily infect humans. As a precautionary measure, people who have had known contact with infected birds or other animals should contact Whatcom County Health and Community Services.
Questions and Answers Regarding the Safety of Eggs During Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks
