Avian flu is killing chickens at Pasco-area poultry operation. More being euthanized

Chickens will be euthanized at an undisclosed Franklin County commercial poultry operation after the first detection this year of avian influenza was confirmed Oct. 15.

It follows an outbreak in December 2022 at the large Oakdale Farms poultry operation north of Pasco.

In the current outbreak, one location of a commercial farm in Franklin County reported many chickens suddenly dying on Friday. Other birds were lethargic and showed other signs of illness, prompting an investigation by Washington state and federal veterinarians.

Preliminary results from the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory late Friday afternoon showed possible avian influenza, which was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories late Tuesday, according to the Washington state Department of Agriculture.

The highly contagious virus spreads rapidly among poultry, causing severe illness or death in infected birds.

Other relatively recent reports of the virus in birds in the Tri-Cities area include a bald eagle that died this past winter in Benton County and four mallards and an American wigeon shot by hunters in December in Franklin County, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Wild birds may infect commercial and domestic flocks.

The premises of the poultry operation have been quarantined by state officials to prevent the spread of the disease and all birds on the premises will be euthanized, the state Department of Agriculture said.

No products from the flock will be sold.

In the past, outbreaks of avian flu in chicken flocks have left egg shelves close to bare at some grocery stores near production facilities and led to higher prices on eggs elsewhere.

“We are monitoring the health of the poultry workers,” said Dr. Steven Krager, the health officer for Benton and Franklin counties.

He said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has concluded that the risk of avian influenza to the general public is low.

State and federal officials are monitoring flocks for symptoms within about six miles of the infected site. Owners of commercial flocks also are required to closely monitor flocks in that zone and do regular testing.

They are not allowed to move safe poultry products in or out of the zone without requesting a permit from the Washington state Department of Agriculture.

Since avian influenza, or H5N1, was first detected in Washington state in 2022 two commercial flocks and 45 domestic flocks have been infected and bird owners are encouraged to use biosecurity measures outlined at poultrybiosecurity.org.

Owners of domestic flocks also are asked to report any illnesses or deaths of their birds to the state with an online surveillance self-reporting tool. If multiple birds die suddenly, they should call the sick bird hotline at 800-606-3056 to report the birds, which should be double bagged and kept in a cooler on ice until state veterinarians can collect samples.

Chicken products safe

Chicken, eggs and other poultry products are safe to eat when properly handled and cooked, according to the Benton Franklin Health District.

It recommends:

• Wash hands and clean and sanitize work surfaces and equipment.
• Do not wash poultry.
• Separate raw and cooked meat to avoid cross-contamination.
• Cook poultry thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep poultry stored at 40 F or below or, in the freezer at 0 F or below.

This story was originally published October 16, 2024 at 6:18 PM.