Highly contagious bird flu detected in Snohomish County
A backyard flock of birds in Snohomish County is the latest to test positive for the highly contagious avian influenza, also known as bird flu, the Washington State Department of Agriculture announced Friday.
The detection was confirmed Friday, bringing the total number of counties where the flu has been found to nine (Clallam, Okanogan, King, Pacific, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Whatcom).
WSDA continues to urge flock owners to protect their healthy flocks, particularly by keeping them away from wild waterfowl.
“In all backyard detections, we’ve seen significant exposure to wild waterfowl,” said Washington State Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle.
According to WSDA, flock owners can take steps to avoid introducing diseases to their flocks, such as practicing good biosecurity, washing boots or shoes before entering and when leaving a chicken coop, and sanitizing equipment used around poultry.
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