WSDA Reports First Case of Bird Flu For 2025

On Friday, the Washington State Department of Agriculture reported the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza for 2025.  WSDA confirmed the case of bird flu in a commercial flock in Franklin County.  The large operation reported high numbers of sudden death in their chickens at one of their farms on January 22nd.  In addition, other birds were lethargic and showing additional signs of illness, prompting an investigation by state and federal veterinarians.

The Washington Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory received samples the same day and reported “non-negative” results.  State officials label “non-negative” results as “presumptive positive” until confirmatory results are in.  The results were confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories late Friday, January 24th.

State officials quarantined the affected premises to prevent the spread of disease.  All of the birds on the premise were euthanized in an effort to contain the outbreak.

The WSDA stressed the poultry products from the flock will not enter the food supply system.

With 54 flocks (51 domestic and three commercial) infected since 2022, WSDA Avian Health Program Lead and Commercial Flock Liaison, Dr. Dana Dobbs urges bird owners, commercial and domestic, to continue their dedication to enhanced biosecurity efforts.  This includes bringing free ranging birds under cover if at all possible and limiting any exposure to wild waterfowl or places they congregate.

WSDA is working with the Washington State Department of Health and local health jurisdictions to identify people exposed to infected animals to provide prevention recommendations, conduct symptom monitoring, and provide testing and treatment when indicated.  The first human cases of H5 avian influenza were reported in Washington in October 2024.  To date, there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of avian influenza.

The Department of Agriculture is reminding everyone if a flock experiences sudden death or illness in multiple birds, use the online reporting tool or call WSDA’s Sick Bird Hotline at (800) 606-3056.  Birds that have already died should be double-bagged and kept in a cooler on ice until WSDA veterinarians can arrange for sampling.  Sick or dead wild birds, or other wild animals, should not be touched or moved and can be reported using the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online reporting tool. 

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