Press Release
Public Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Second Backyard Flock Tests Positive for Avian Influenza

Kittitas County, WA - 10/28/2026 - A second backyard poultry flock in Kittitas County has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu. As fall migration continues, wild birds moving through Washington can carry and spread HPAI. Seasonal virus spread is expected, and residents should take precautions to protect backyard poultry and avoid contact with sick or dead birds.

According to Washington State Department of Health (DOH), although avian influenza is highly contagious among birds, the risk of it spreading to the general public is 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.
 
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is the lead agency for avian influenza response.  Report illness in your flock to WSDA by calling 1-800-606-3056 or reporting online.
All people should avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and report sick or dead wild birds or other wild 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.
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. For more information and future updates about avian influenza, please visit https://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/health/communicable-disease/default.aspx.

• Second Backyard Flock Test Positive for Avian Influenza SG_DOH.pdf
• SPANISH - Second Backyard Flock Test Positive for Avian Influenza SG_DOH.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