Washington detects highly pathogenic avian influenza at Pierce County poultry farm
State officials confirmed bird flu at a commercial poultry facility in Pierce County, placed the site under quarantine and are monitoring exposed workers, while stating the risk to the public remains low.
State agriculture officials reported that highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected at a commercial poultry facility in Pierce County, marking the first confirmed case in Washington this year. The farm is under quarantine and disease-control measures are being implemented, including the destruction of eggs from infected birds so they do not enter the food supply.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture said that chicken and eggs from other farms remain safe to eat and that no human cases have been identified at the affected site. Public health agencies are contacting workers who may have been exposed to assess risk, offer medication if needed and monitor for symptoms.
"Our main focus in public health is preventing workers from becoming infected and coordinating testing and treatment if any workers develop symptoms," said Tacoma-Pierce County Health Officer Dr. James "Jay" Miller.
The department will not disclose the farm’s identity, citing state law that protects farmer information during agricultural emergencies. The virus continues to circulate among wild and domestic birds in the state, with detections reported since 2022 and recent cases in backyard flocks in Yakima and Kittitas counties.
Washington State Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle advised poultry owners to keep birds away from wild waterfowl and shared environments, and to use protective equipment when handling sick birds. She urged owners to call the state’s sick-bird hotline if birds become ill or die.
"People who handle sick birds should wear protective equipment," Dr. Itle said.
Flock owners within six miles of a detection are placed in a surveillance zone and are encouraged to report flock health through the state’s online tool. The agriculture department recommends housing birds in coops or covered runs, separating them from other domestic birds and wild waterfowl, storing feed in sealed containers and limiting visitor access.
Dead birds should be double-bagged, kept cool and reported to the state’s Sick Bird Hotline at 800-606-3056 or via the online reporting system. Wild bird carcasses should not be touched and must be reported through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s reporting tool.