GRANT COUNTY, WA – The Grant County Health District (GCHD) and state partners have completed all response activities related to the recent avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak at a commercial poultry operation in Grant County. No persons with bird flu related to this poultry outbreak were identified.  

In October 2025, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirmed Grant County’s first outbreak of bird flu in a commercial poultry flock. GCHD and the Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH) responded immediately to protect workers and anyone else who may have been exposed. Public health responded with the following activities: 

• Assessed potential exposures among workers
• Tested people with bird flu symptoms
• Provided antiviral medication when appropriate
• Trained workers on proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

“On behalf of GCHD, I would like to thank our partners at the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Washington State Department of Health, the affected poultry farm, and the workers for their support and cooperation throughout this response,” said Theresa Adkinson, GCHD Administrator. “Thanks to the quick action taken by each agency, our coordinated response was effective, timely, and well-organized.”

The risk to humans remains low, but there are steps you should take to keep you and your family safe. People who have job-related or recreational interactions with infected birds or other animals are at higher risk of exposure and should take precautions.

About Bird Flu 

Bird flu is a disease caused by influenza viruses that naturally occur among wild aquatic birds. It can also infect other types of birds and many other animal species, including mammals. In rare cases, bird flu can infect people and make them sick. While rare, this may happen to people who have had close contact with avian influenza-infected birds, other animals or to environments where infected animals are or have been present.

How Bird Flu is Spread to People 

Infected animals spread the virus through their saliva, mucus and feces. It is also found in the raw milk of infected dairy cattle. People can get infected if the virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth or if it is breathed in. No person-to-person spread of bird flu has been identified in the United States at this time. 

Current Situation

Detections of bird flu in birds and other animals have continued across the US, including in Washington. We will likely continue to see increased bird flu activity each year during migration season.

Since 2022, there have been 72 confirmed human cases of bird flu reported in the United States and two confirmed deaths. Data on human cases of bird flu in Washington is available here: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/avian-influenza

Protect Yourself from Bird Flu

• Avoid contact with animals that could be sick with bird flu. Do not handle sick or dead birds, wild animals, or livestock. 
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. This is especially important after handling birds, livestock, or anything in their environments.
• Cook poultry, meat, and eggs thoroughly. Ensure all poultry, meat, and eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill potential viruses.
• Avoid raw milk. Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk or consume products made from it, as they can carry harmful germs, including influenza viruses.
• Protect pets. Cats are especially vulnerable to avian influenza. Dogs can also be infected though it is much rarer.
  • Limit your pets’ unsupervised time outdoors to prevent them from hunting wild birds or other animals.
  • Do not let hunting dogs retrieve or have contact with sick birds or birds found deceased.
  • Do not feed your animals raw milk or uncooked meat, including raw pet food diets.
  • Talk with your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about avian influenza in a pet.
• Protect backyard poultry and livestock.
  • Keep wild birds and animals away from your animals.
  • Disinfect equipment often and don’t share equipment with other farms.
  • Have dedicated clothing and shoes to care for your animals and do not wear these items off your property or bring them inside your home.
• Consider getting the seasonal flu vaccine. The flu shot will not prevent infection with bird flu but will help decrease the chance of the virus mutating. The flu shot can also help keep your immune system strong and less vulnerable to other infections, including bird flu.

What to Do if You Encounter Sick or Dead Birds, Wild Animals, or Livestock:

• Avoid direct contact with the animal. Use PPE if handling the animal is necessary. 
• Report sick/dead domestic animals to the Washington State Department of Agriculture online or by calling 1-800-606-3056.
• Report sick/dead wild birds or wildlife to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife using their online report form.

More Information 

• H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov). 
• Backyard Flock Owners
• Hunters
• Pet Owners

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