OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) have issued a public advisory urging caution when interacting with wild birds and other wildlife due to an ongoing outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. The outbreak has affected wild birds and seals near Fort Flagler State Park, with cases first reported in early July 2023.
WDFW officials are closely monitoring and responding to the situation, having already removed over 1,700 deceased Caspian terns and gulls from Rat Island and adjacent shores in the vicinity of Fort Flagler State Park. Initial findings indicate that three harbor seals from the same area have also been infected with avian influenza. However, confirmation testing for these cases is still pending.
The impact of the avian influenza outbreak has extended beyond Fort Flagler State Park, with confirmed detections of infected Caspian terns reported near key locations such as the Port of Everett, Port of Tacoma, and along the lower Columbia River.
In light of the situation, health officials are emphasizing the importance of avoiding contact with sick or deceased wildlife, particularly birds and their young. While the risk of avian influenza transmission to humans is generally low, infections can occur through contact with the virus entering the eyes, nose, mouth, or by inhaling contaminated particles. Authorities note that individuals may be at an increased risk of infection if they are in close, prolonged contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces.
While avian influenza infections in humans are rare, the disease can affect pets, including dogs. Precautions are advised to prevent contact between pets and sick or deceased animals. The United States Department of Agriculture is actively monitoring infections in wild mammals across the nation.
Officials strongly discourage attempts to relocate sick animals, as this can contribute to the spread of the disease. WDFW encourages the public to promptly report sightings of sick or deceased birds to the appropriate authorities.
Given the scale of the outbreak, WDFW acknowledges that they may not be able to respond to all reported cases immediately. Biologists are working to remove carcasses and conduct testing for avian influenza when resources allow.
For incidents involving marine mammals, individuals are urged to contact the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region Stranding Hotline at 1-866-767-6114. Suspected cases of avian influenza in domestic poultry flocks should be reported to the Washington State Department of Agriculture at 1-800-606-3056.
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is caused by infection with avian influenza Type A viruses. These viruses are naturally present in wild aquatic birds and can also infect domestic poultry and other species, including humans in rare instances. The virus is primarily spread through saliva, mucous, and feces of infected birds. While bird flu infections in humans are uncommon, they generally occur after close contact with infected birds.
The Washington State DOH recommends that individuals take precautions by wearing recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with sick or deceased poultry, their feces, or any contaminated environment. Public health authorities will be reaching out to individuals who have had known contact with infected birds to discuss risk and symptom monitoring as a precautionary measure.
It’s important for the public to remain vigilant and follow the guidance provided by health and wildlife authorities to minimize the spread of avian influenza and protect both human and animal health.
