SPOKANE, Wash. - Federal officials are warning that an easily spread bird flu virus is showing up in wild birds in Washington State. Captive birds of prey on the western side of the state have already died. Now, agricultural and wildlife agencies are on alert.
In a warning from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, officials emphasize that there is no public health concern at this time and that the flu virus has not been found in commercial poultry.
Agriculture and wildlife groups are instead more worried that this type of bird flu can spread like wildfire.
The USDA confirmed Wednesday, that two separate strains of Avian Influenza have been found in wild birds in Whatcom County, Washington. The bird flu had previously been found in poultry farms in British Columbia.
Now, biologists found strains of the flu in wild ducks and captive falcons that died after eating wild birds killed by hunters. It has not made its way to poultry farms in Washington, but the threat is serious.
When avian flu shows up, officials said it is a swift and fatal response. One sick bird means a farmer can lose them all.
"Because when they go in a depopulate these poultry plants they have to compensate the owners," said Tom Ray who is a Mount Vernon Veterinarian.
It is estimated that a month-long bird flu infection in Washington could cost tax payers hundreds of millions of dollars,
The good news though is that people are not susceptible to this strain that showed up in British Columbia. However, wild birds have been known to carry the disease, and parts of Washington are now filling up migrating birds from Canada.
Infected birds die quickly and can easily attract hungry predators, according to officials. It is also spread other ways as well.
"It's shed in the feces, so any of the other ducks that are in there dabbling around for food are at risk for picking it up," Ray said.
Biologists said it rarely turns into a massive die off, but has the potential to do damage once it gets going. The USDA said birds infected with this type of flu are safe to eat if properly handled and cooked.
They said if you do come in contact with an infected bird, just make sure to wash your hands and change clothes before coming into contact with domestic poultry or birds.
