Press Release
Public Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Avian Influenza Detected in Kittitas County

Kittitas County, WA - 10/12/2026 - On October 9th, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, in a backyard poultry flock in Kittitas County.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is the lead agency for avian influenza response.  There are numerous resources available about where avian influenza has been detected, how to protect your flock from getting avian influenza, what disinfectants work, and more:

• Avian Influenza | Washington State Department of Agriculture
• Washington Bird Flu Updates 2026 | Facebook
• Defend The Flock | Facebook

 
According to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), although avian influenza is highly contagious among birds, the risk of it spreading to the general public is very low. However, people who work with or have recreational contact with infected birds, cattle, or other potentially infected domestic or wild animals, are at higher risk and should take precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, eye protection, and fluid-resistant coveralls or other outerwear. The risk of avian influenza increases in the fall and winter because migratory birds can carry the virus and spread it to domestic animals including commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks.
 
People with backyard poultry should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report illness to the WSDA by calling 1-800-606-3056 or reporting online.
Veterinarians should report sick or dead domestic animals or livestock suspected of having avian influenza to WSDA.
All people should avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and report sick or dead wild birds or other animals to the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife.  Never handle or allow pets near dead birds or other wildlife. Avoid eating raw or undercooked food products, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw cheeses, and don’t feed these products to pets.
It is especially important that people who may have exposure to sick birds get a seasonal flu vaccine. While the seasonal flu vaccine will not prevent bird flu infection, it reduces the risk of becoming sick with both human and avian influenza viruses at the same time. Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older.
“The local health jurisdiction’s role is to monitor any potential human exposure to a flock positive for HPAI,” states Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) Director Chelsey Loeffers. “We will continue to provide information to the public to stay up to date about avian influenza.”
 
Anyone with the following issues or concerns can contact the appropriate agencies:

• For unexplained illness or death in your flock: Call WSDA Avian Health Program at 1-800-606-3056 or report sick domestic birds online.
• For food safety questions: Call WSDA Food Safety Program at 1-360-902-1876.
• To report a sick, injured, or dead wild bird or other animal: Visit the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Report Sick, Injured or Dead Animals to WDFW.

 
KCPHD wants to reiterate that the risk to the general public currently is low. If you have questions or concerns, contact KCPHD at 509-962-7515.

• Avian Flu Detected in Kittitas County 10.2026_DOH-WSDA.pdf
• SPANISH - Avian Flu Detected in Kittitas County 10.2026_DOH-WSDA.pdf

Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us

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Contact: Lucy Garcia, Public Information Officer, (509) 962-7515