County health department begins monitoring for bird flu

Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) began officially monitoring bird flu outbreaks on November 20 after a backyard flock in Whatcom County tested positive for the disease.

According to a WCHCS press release, the mixed-species flock of roughly 20 chickens, turkeys and ducks are being “depopulated” to prevent the spread of bird flu, known officially as highly pathogenic avian influenza.

WCHCS acknowledged growing concerns over the spread of bird flu, specifically the H5N1 strain that was first detected in Washington poultry in 2022. County health officials said while there are confirmed human cases in Washington and B.C., there has been no evidence of it spreading between people.

No human cases of bird flu have been found in Whatcom County, WCHCS said, but those in contact with influenza-infected birds are being monitored for symptoms as a precaution.

The health department advised the general population to get vaccinated for seasonal flu. It also advised for those in close contact with birds (such as hobbyists, agricultural workers and hunters) to wear personal protective equipment when in direct contact with the animals, get vaccinated, and stay informed of bird flu symptoms for themselves and their flock at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Bird Flu webpage, cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/.

While there is no vaccine for bird flu, WCHCS said the seasonal flu vaccine is the best defense and can reduce the risk of co-infection.

“As we monitor the situation with avian influenza, it’s a critical reminder for everyone to protect themselves against other respiratory illnesses, like seasonal flu,” said Shamika Brooks, communicable disease and epidemiology manager at WCHCS. “Getting your annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to prevent severe illness. It’s an easy and effective step you can take to stay healthy.”

WCHCS only monitors humans who may have been exposed. The Washington State Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture oversee animals involved in an outbreak.

For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Health’s Flu Facts page at bit.ly/4fI0TYQ.