Veterinarians with clients reporting sick birds should focus on getting a full history. WSDA is most interested in morbidity and mortality rates on farms. Usually, avian influenza doesn’t present as a single bird illness or single bird death. If your client is reporting a mass morbidity or mortality event, please refer them to WSDA. If it’s a single bird, take biosecurity precautions, and prior to scheduling the appointment, please collect this minimal information to make that determination:
- How many birds do you have?
- How many sick/ dead? (If 25% or more, call WSDA.)
- Do you also have waterfowl (geese/ducks)?
- Do you co-house waterfowl with chickens/ turkeys?
- Do your chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl have contact with wild waterfowl, ponds, or outdoor access?
- Does more than one bird have respiratory signs, discolored combs, or depression?
- Have you brought new birds into the flock lately? If so, what and when?
Currently, the WSDA is following up on a large volume of sick bird calls in the state. For flocks with low morbidity, WSDA asks them to work with their private veterinarian, send a carcass to WSU WADDL for necropsy, and to observe biosecurity. Consider all the risk factors and if there are concerns, call WSDA at (360) 902-1878.
Please regularly check the resources below for up-to-date information. Join the WSDA bird flu Facebook group, watch pre-recorded youtube videos, monitor the WSDA bird flu website, and check our WSDA new release website for information about detections in new counties, as well as any guidance about shows and fairs. Please reach out to the WSDA if you have questions or concerns. Responses may be delayed, but they will get back to you as soon as they can.
- Washington Bird Flu Updates 2022 | Facebook
- WA State Veterinarian Bird Flu Q and A
- WSDA News Releases
- 2022 Washington Bird Flu Detections
- 2022 Confirmations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial and Backyard Flocks
- 2022 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds
Posted May 13, 2022