WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – More birds in Washington state are testing positive for a deadly bird flu and one of them was right here in Whatcom County.
Wildlife officials confirmed on Tuesday, May 10th, that a Canada goose found in our county was positive for H5N1 avian influenza.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture says H5N1 was also detected recently in two non-commercial flocks in Pierce County.
The owners there contacted the WSDA after noticing an unusual number of sudden deaths in their flocks.
A state veterinarian quarantined the birds and any that had not already died were euthanized.
The WSDA says flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds by eliminating access to ponds and any standing water on their property.
They should also limit human access to their farms and not share or sell any of their eggs.
The department says there is no immediate public health concern due to the virus.
Unusual deaths should be reported online at the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website or by calling the WSDA at 1-800-606-3056.