Bird flu has been detected among Kitsap County flock

Bird flu has been detected in Kitsap County after a backyard flock tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on June 29. Infected flocks have had contact with wild waterfowl — known to spread the virus without showing symptoms. 

The cold, wet conditions that have lasted further into the year have changed the migration patterns of birds, which has caused the virus to continue to persist in the environment, state veterinarians believe. 

Kitsap is the 11th county with bird flu detected in domestic flocks, with 27 infected flocks statewide. To protect uninfected flocks, fairs, exhibitions, poultry auctions and on-farm sales should be avoided for at least 30 days after the last detection, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. 

“It’s devastating for owners and our veterinarian alike. A fair or exhibition could be a venue to spread the virus that could result in the death of all birds that attend the fair,” said Dr. Amber Itle, Washington state veterinarian. “Although it is disappointing, we need to continue to take enhanced steps to protect our domestic flocks as long as we continue to have HPAI detections in the state.”

Kathy Parker, owner of Gold Mountain Turkeys, said she was warned by the state veterinarian in late May to early June that people should not transfer birds. Since then, she hasn’t sold any of her flock. 

To keep her flock safe, she’s been keeping them inside to feed and keeps their water in an area where other birds can’t get to it. They also can’t visit the pond near her property where other fowl may visit. 

She hasn’t found any symptoms in her flock, and since they stay in a barn at night, she can easily monitor them. 

She said there are a lot of people who sell part of their flocks or the babies later in summer, and the bird flu is causing some real problems for people who rely on transfers. 

“It's been a real problem for them because this is the time of year you want to move things out or get things in. It’s getting towards the end of breeding season for turkeys,” Parker said. 

Parker said she’s in good shape because she finished breeding season early, but those who are doing it later this year are having difficulty. 

WSDA has resources for flock owners to learn about bird flu and protect their animals, including a bird flu webpage with information about each confirmed flock with HPAI, an interactive map and frequently asked questions. 

If your flock experiences sudden death or illness of multiple birds, call WSDA’s Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056. Birds that have already died should be double-bagged and kept in a cooler on ice until WSDA veterinarians can arrange for sampling. Do not allow scavenger birds access to dead domestic birds as this can further spread the virus.

Sick or dead wild birds should be reported using the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online reporting tool.