San Juan County monitors avian influenza after detections in wild birds and a backyard flock

Dr. Harley briefed the San Juan County Board of Health on Dec. 10 about recent detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds and one backyard flock on multiple islands in the county. He said the county has not had human cases and currently assesses the human health risk as low, but staff will monitor people with known exposures to infected birds and coordinate with health care providers for testing if needed.

Dr. Harley explained that domestic poultry typically get infected through interactions with wild migratory birds, and advised biosecurity measures for backyard flock owners. For domestic birds, the Washington State Department of Agriculture is the point agency for reporting; for wild birds and other animals, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is the contact. The county has posted flyers at feed stores, coordinated with veterinarians and the WSU extension office, and asked residents to report sick or dead birds via state online forms.

Board members asked whether the department proactively communicates with commercial or larger poultry operations; Dr. Harley and Jessica Nye said the county leans on agricultural partners and the USDA pathway to share targeted messaging and provide technical assistance as requested. Dr. Harley noted a November human death in Grays Harbor County linked to bird flu but emphasized such human cases remain rare.

Officials asked for discretion in public messaging to protect small‑scale poultry owners’ privacy while sharing protective guidance to reduce risk to people and animals.