The Health Department is closed Monday, Sept. 7, for the Labor Day holiday.

    • Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

    What you should know

    Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is a contagious viral infection that is widespread in wild birds. It can infect wild and domestic birds, and other wild and domestic animals.

    While it is rare, avian influenza viruses can infect humans—especially if you have close contact with infected birds or other animals.

    The general public’s risk level is low right now. Most infected people had significant contact with infected animals or their environments.

    How does avian influenza spread?

    Birds and other infected animals shed the virus in their saliva, mucous, and feces. Infected dairy cattle can shed the virus in milk. Avian influenza virus can also be present in meat from infected animals. People can become infected if the virus gets in their eyes, nose or mouth, or if they breathe it in.

    Investigators have found no cases of human-to-human spread. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely monitors all flu activity, including bird flu. See CDC’s dashboard for the latest data.

    Basic steps help protect you, your family, and your pets

    The best way to protect yourself is to avoid contact with wildlife and sick domestic animals, and ensure the food you eat is safely prepared.

    If you discover a sick bird or animal, avoid contact and observe from a distance. You can also report sick or dead domestic birds and animals using the links below.

    Chicken, eggs, and other poultry products are safe to eat when properly handled and cooked. Pasteurized milk and pasteurized milk products are also safe. To protect yourself from avian influenza and other infections, remember:

    • Do not drink unpasteurized (“raw”) milk or eat products made from unpasteurized (“raw”) milk.
    • Do not eat uncooked or undercooked meat. Practice good hygiene when preparing meat to avoid cross-contaminating surfaces and other food.

    Similarly, do not feed unpasteurized (“raw”) milk, dairy products made from unpasteurized (“raw”) milk, or raw or undercooked meat to your pets. Cats have died from consuming raw milk and raw meat that was contaminated with avian influenza.

    You should also prevent cats and other pets from hunting wild birds or mammals.

    What if I work with animals or have a backyard flock?

    People who work with animals or have a backyard flock should take additional steps to protect themselves from avian influenza.

    Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) if you have direct or close contact with sick or dead wild or domesticated animals or things they may have contaminated, like their:

    • Bodily fluids.
    • Litter.
    • Water.

    If you interact with animals as part of your work, your employer should have protocols for:

    • Proper hygiene, cleaning, and sanitation.
    • Appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
    • Testing for sick animals, if needed.

    Backyard flock owners should closely monitor the health of their birds and take additional precautions if the birds become sick. CDC provides further guidance for backyard flock owners.

    If you work with animals, practice good hygiene. Wash your hands after touching animals or equipment to help protect from a range of illnesses.

    Who to contact

    • If you experience unexplained illness or death in your domestic flock or discover a sick domestic bird:
    • If you’re at elevated risk of exposure as described above and have flu-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
      • You can also contact our public health nurses at (253) 649-1412.
    • If you have food safety questions, call WSDA Food Safety program at (360) 902-1876
    • Report sick, injured, or dead wild birds to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife online.

    Learn more