Local

After three-week break hiatus, bird flu detected in Walla Walla County

After nearly a three-week break in bird flu detections, avian influenza was detected in a Walla Walla County backyard flock on Aug. 12, bringing the state wide flock total to 31.

Even though cases have slowed in Washington, neighboring states continue to detect bird flu, indicating the virus is still in the environment.

“While we had hoped cases would tapper off by now, current trends suggest that resident wild waterfowl are creating a reservoir of ongoing infection. We must stay vigilant and prepared to respond for the coming weeks, and potentially months,” Washington State veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle said.

Flock owners within 10 kilometers of a detection are encouraged to self-report the health of their flock via the WSDA online surveillance self-reporting tool.

Itle says the biggest risk factor is direct contact with wild waterfowl. All 31 infected flocks have had contact with them.

Flock owners should be discouraged to bring their birds to fairs, exhibitions, poultry auctions, and on-farm sales until there hasn’t been a detection in the state for 30 days.

If your flock experiences sudden death or illness of several birds, call the WSDA Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056.