Bald eagles are included on the list of wild birds who can be carriers of the H5N1 avian flu strain. While not dangerous to humans, it can devastate poultry flocks. (Melanie Leeson Photography)

By The Canadian Press

little risk to humans

Washington state officials worried about increase in cases of avian flu

May 11, 2022 | 2:00 PM

BRITISH COLUMBIA —Officials in Washington state say the number of avian flu cases there are “piling up” since the first case was identified six days ago.

A statement from the Washington State Department of Agriculture says two outbreaks were reported in backyard flocks around the Tacoma area and cases of the H5N1 strain of the virus have been identified in wild birds just south of the Canada/U-S border and in the county north of Spokane.

Migrating wild birds are considered key carriers of the virus and the department says there are eight more “suspicious” cases involving wild birds in the state.

Poultry farmers are urged to keep their flocks separate from waterfowl and shorebirds, eliminate access to ponds and not share or sell eggs from backyard hens and ducks.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed at least seven B-C farms have had outbreaks of avian flu since mid-April and numerous wild birds, including bald eagles, have been identified as carriers of the illness that is not considered dangerous to healthy humans but has the potential to wipe out poultry flocks.

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A small backyard poultry flock in Kelowna recently tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus after another case was confirmed at a North Okanagan farm.

— With files from the Canadian Press

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