HealthTop story
Bird flu is detected at a Pierce County commercial poultry facility
Bird flu reached a Pierce County commercial facility after October backyard cases
- 2022Washington begins reporting bird flu detections in wild and domestic birds.
- Oct. 2026Bird flu is confirmed in three backyard flocks in Yakima and Kittitas counties.
- Nov. 5Officials announce bird flu at a commercial poultry facility in Pierce County.
Sources: KOMO, Nonstop Local News
If you keep chickens, here's what to know. Bird flu has been detected at a commercial poultry facility in Pierce County, the first commercial detection in Washington this year. No human cases have been identified at the facility, and officials say the risk to the general public is low. The facility is under quarantine, eggs from infected birds will be destroyed, and chicken and eggs from other farms remain safe to eat.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) isn't naming the farm, because state law protects information that could identify a farmer during an agricultural emergency. State Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle urged flock owners to keep birds away from wild waterfowl and shared environments, including ponds. Tacoma-Pierce County health officer Dr. James "Jay" Miller said public health's main focus is preventing worker infections. Flock owners within 6 miles of a detection are in a surveillance zone.
6 mileswithin 6 miles of a detection puts a flock in the surveillance zone
Owners inside a zone are encouraged to report flock health using the state's online tool and check its surveillance map.
Sources: KOMO, KIRO 7 News Seattle
- Sick Bird Hotline: 800-606-3056
- Dead domestic birds: double-bag them, keep in a cooler with ice
- Dead wild birds: don't touch; report to Fish and Wildlife online
- Flock care: coops or covered runs, sealed feed, fewer visitors
