On Wednesday, the Washington State Department of Agriculture announced that a commercial flock of birds had been struck last week by the highly contagious avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
According to WSDA, a “large operation reported high numbers of sudden death in their chickens in a single barn at one of their farms” last week. Other birds showed signs of lethargy and illness, which prompted an investigation by state and federal veterinarians.
The birds were tested and the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory reported “non-negative” results, which are labeled as “presumptive positive” by state officials until the results can be confirmed.
The affected premises were quarantined to limit the spread of the disease, and WSDA humanely euthanized all birds on the premises.
WSDA said there is little to no risk to the public.
WSDA said this is the first commercial detection of the bird flu in Washington, but there have been more than 250 commercial flock detections in 24 states across the country since February.
Thirty-six domestic flocks were infected this year, according to WSDA.
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