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Bird flu detected in backyard flock of chickens in Skagit County

By KIRO 7 News Staff
ACTON, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Rescued chickens gather in an aviary at Farm Sanctuary’s Southern California Sanctuary on October 5, 2022 in Acton, California. A wave of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu has now entered Southern California as the fall bird migration sets in, raising concerns for wild birds and poultry farms in the region. Farm Sanctuary is home to rescued chickens, turkeys, cows, pigs and other farm animals.
Stock image of chickens ACTON, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Rescued chickens gather in an aviary at Farm Sanctuary’s Southern California Sanctuary on October 5, 2022 in Acton, California. A wave of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu has now entered Southern California as the fall bird migration sets in, raising concerns for wild birds and poultry farms in the region. Farm Sanctuary is home to rescued chickens, turkeys, cows, pigs and other farm animals. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
By KIRO 7 News Staff

SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a medium-sized flock of backyard chickens in Skagit County.

This marks the first detection of bird flu in a domestic flock in the County this year.

The WSDA worries that the arrival of migratory waterfowl could increase the risk of the virus reappearing in domestic birds.

“Spring migration typically occurs from March through May, bringing large numbers of migratory birds through the state,” said Dr. Amber Itle, a Washington State Veterinarian. “Poultry owners should always maintain strong biosecurity, but it’s especially important during this period, particularly if birds have access to ponds or other areas that attract waterfowl,” she said.

Flock owners within six miles of the Skagit County detection fall under a surveillance zone.

If your flock experiences sudden death or illness of multiple birds, call the WSDA Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056, or use the online reporting tool.

Symptoms of HPAI in poultry

  • Neurologic signs (circling, incoordination, abnormal head position) 
  • Depression, isolation or ruffled feathers 
  • Drop in egg production 
  • Drop in feed or water consumption 
  • Swollen eyes or wattles 
  • Blue combs 
  • Respiratory distress 

Key biosecurity steps: Protect your flock

  • Keep birds housed in their coops or in covered runs 
  • Restrict access to water sources such as ponds or lakes where wild birds gather 
  • Keep domestic birds away from wild waterfowl 
  • Store feed in sealed containers and clean up spilled feed promptly 
  • Limit visitors to your coop 
  • Avoid sharing equipment with other flock owners 
  • Employ wild bird, wildlife, and rodent mitigation strategies 
  • Isolate any new additions to the flock for at least 30 days

It’s rare, but the avian flu can spread from birds to people and make them sick. People who come into contact with infected birds, animals, or their environments should be aware of the risk and take precautions such as handwashing, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and storing shoes or other supplies used when caring for birds outside the home.

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