Bird flu reported in flock of Whatcom County birds, WA resident
The Whatcom County Health Department announced Thursday that a die-off of approximately 25 wild birds in the Wiser Lake area tested positive for the avian influenza virus. Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is spreading among migratory birds, the health department said, and can be spread to backyard flocks.
The confirmation of the cause of the die-off comes as a Grays Harbor County resident preliminarily tested positive for avian influenza, according to the Washington State Department of Health. If confirmed, it will be the first reported human case of bird flu in Washington in 2025.
The source of the potential infection has not yet been determined, and health officials are working to determine possible sources, including contact with wild and domestic birds. Public health disease experts have not identified any risk to the public.
The health department said the individual with the potential infection is an older adult with underlying health conditions. They developed a high fever, confusion and respiratory distress, and were hospitalized earlier this month. They are currently being treated in King County.
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza is a disease caused by viruses that naturally occur in wild aquatic birds. They can infect other bird species and occasionally mammals, including humans. The disease can be deadly to domestic birds like chickens and turkeys.
Most human cases are caused by exposure to sick or infected animals, often those at commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks. These birds have a higher risk of infection in the fall and winter due to exposure to migratory birds who may carry the virus.
The majority of human cases of bird flu in Washington state have been caused by exposure to infected poultry, according to data. To date, there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of avian influenza in the state.
How can you stay safe?
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the public risk of avian influenza to be low, there are still precautions you can take, especially if you regularly come in contact with domestic or wild animals.
Anyone who works with or has contact with potentially infected animals should wear personal protective equipment like gloves, masks, eye protection and fluid-resistant outerwear. You should also wash your hands before and after working with birds and cover chicken coops and runs to prevent contact with wild birds.
Never allow pets near dead birds or other wildlife. You can report sick or dead wild birds or other animals online to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. You can also call the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Avian Health Program at 800-606-3056.
People who have had known contact with infected birds or other animals, or show symptoms associated with avian influenza after coming into contact with birds or wildlife, should contact Whatcom County Health and Community Services at 360-778-6000.
This story was originally published November 13, 2025 at 3:50 PM with the headline "Bird flu reported in flock of Whatcom County birds, WA resident."