Benton County flock tests positive for bird flu
By Terry Murry on Monday, February 13th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed the state’s 16th county and 42nd flock infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza Friday. A Benton County flock owner reported the sudden death of multiple birds in their small domestic flock last week. The National Veterinarian Services Laboratory confirmed the results early Friday morning. That’s the first case of a flock being impacted by bird flu reported in Benton County.
Washington State Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle says bird owners should continue taking extra biosecurity measures.
“The risk of our domestic and commercial poultry being exposed to and contracting HPAI remains high,” Itle said. “Suspending outdoor access in flocks where there is a risk of wild bird interactions is still recommended, as well as enhancing biosecurity, covering outdoor runs, etc.”
Enhanced biosecurity can protect flocks and preserve a farm from diseases, like HPAI. Flock owners are encouraged to take measures such as proper cleaning and disinfection and covering coops to protect from waterfowl introductions of the virus.
State veterinarians say the biggest risk factor to date is direct contact with wild waterfowl. Since May 5, 2022, when the WSDA announced the first Washington case, all infected flocks had contact with wild waterfowl.
“The most common risk factor for infection is proximity to water sources or ponds where wild waterfowl congregate; increasing environmental viral load and risk of transmission to domestic flocks,” Dr. Itle said.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife continues to report increasing numbers of cases in wild birds and detections in three raccoons and most recently, a bobcat. While the risk of avian influenza is always present from interactions with wild waterfowl in the Pacific flyway, spring migration in the next four to six weeks may present an additional challenge.
