The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported that 4 people have tested presumptive positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, in Washington state. These agricultural workers tested positive after working with infected poultry at a commercial farm in Franklin County. The presumptive positive samples have been forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing. This is an active investigation and the number of cases under investigation may change as further test results are received.
HPAI H5N1 has been reported in wild birds, backyard poultry, and commercial poultry in Washington state and any ongoing cases and outbreaks in animals will continue to increase the risk of exposure and infection among responders, agricultural workers, and others who may be exposed to infected animals.
At this point, HPAI H5N1 does not pose a serious threat to public health, but Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services (WCHHS) urges those with job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds, cattle, or other potentially impacted domestic or wild animals to take precaution, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
The severity of symptoms in humans has been low with reported cases. Farmworkers have been observed to have flu-like symptoms, such as fever; cough; sore throat; eye tearing, redness, or irritation; and runny or stuffy nose. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) has been the most reported indication of illness. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please notify your doctor if you associate with birds or cattle.
Farmers may report sick/dead domestic birds or livestock to the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Avian Health Program by calling 1-800-606-3056 or going online at https://wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/report-observations
While the current risk to the public is low, Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services is responding locally by providing information and personal protective equipment (PPE) to livestock owners by request. People who own or have contact with poultry, livestock, or other animals should be aware of the risk of exposure to avian influenza so that they can take proper precautions and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Washington state has PPE in stock and can make it available to your farm upon request. Currently, available PPE includes disposable gloves, face masks, and eye protection including safety goggles, safety glasses, and face shields. This is a one-time provision of PPE. Should you have sick animals or a detection of H5N1 on your farm, this may serve as a stopgap until you can order more and in an ongoing way.
Click the online order form here.
Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services recommends the following protective actions for people:
- Wash hands immediately before and after working with animals.
- Do not consume raw milk.
- Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible.
- Avoid contact with wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died.
- Avoid unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them.
- Minimize domestic flock exposure to wild birds.
- Keep animals physically separated by species.
Farmers who would like to receive additional information can contact Brandi Beedle at (360) 795-6207 ext 231 or beedleb@co.wahkiakum.wa.us
To order PPE
Resources:
Washington State Department of Health
Washington Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Interim Guidance for People Working with or Exposed to Animals