OLYMPIA – An outbreak of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is impacting wild birds and several seals near Fort Flagler State Park in Jefferson County. The outbreak started in early July.
For that reason, the Washington State Department of Health and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife caution the public to avoid contact with wild birds and other wild animals, especially sick or dead wild animals or their young.
Fish and Wildlife staff are monitoring and responding to the situation and have removed more than 1,700 dead Caspian terns and gulls from Rat Island and adjacent shores near Fort Flagler State Park. Preliminary results indicate three harbor seals from the same area were also infected with avian influenza.
In addition, recent detections of infected Caspian terns have been documented near the Port of Everett, Port of Tacoma, and along the lower Columbia River.
People and their pets should avoid all contact with sick or dead wildlife.
Reports of suspected avian influenza in domestic poultry flocks should be sent to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Call 1-800-606-3056 or visit their webpage for more information about how to protect poultry and other domestic birds.
(Photo: Caspian terns. State Fish and Wildlife Dept.)