Avian Influenza

Overview

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a disease caused by an avian influenza Type A virus that naturally occurs in wild aquatic birds throughout the world. This virus can also infect other species of birds, and occasionally mammals, and can cause significant mortality in poultry species such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, guinea fowl. On rare occasions bird flu viruses infect people and make them sick. This typically has only happened to people who have had close contact with avian influenza-infected birds.

What you can do: 

  • Report sick/dead domestic birds to Washington State Department of Agriculture's public phone line: 1-800-606-3056.
  • Report online sick/dead wild birds suspected of avian flu to Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife. 
  • Bird hunters should follow standard safety steps to avoid potential exposure to avian influenza and other viruses or bacteria. 
Report Sick Bird

Poultry And Other Poultry Products Are Safe To Eat

Chicken, eggs and other poultry and poultry products are safe to eat when properly handled and cooked. Be sure to follow these steps for safer food: 

  • Wash hands and clean and sanitize work surfaces and equipment. 
  • Do not wash poultry. 
  • Separate raw and cooked meat to avoid cross-contamination. 
  • Cook poultry thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Keep poultry stored at 40 F or below or, in the freezer at 0 F or below.