Date: 11/4/26 1:23 pm From: Anderson, Christopher D \(DFW\) via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Avian Influenza Precaution Reminder
Hi Tweets,
Hope everyone is getting out and enjoying some of our migrant birdlife lately with the cooperative weather we've been having (although - rain please)!
Speaking of our wintering waterfowl, I wanted to share a few important resources regarding Avian Influenza (AI), including safety protocols and reporting procedures. Currently, the state is primarily detecting AI exactly where expected: in migratory waterfowl, with a notable presence in wintering Cackling Geese in WWA (particularly Pierce Co. north through Whatcom).
To help us monitor this situation, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
* How to Report: If you observe sick, dead, or suspected AI-infected wildlife, please use the WDFW sick/dead reporting tool. The link is located at the very top of the state's main AI webpage: WDFW Bird Flu Information<https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/diseases/bird-flu>. Tons of information there and I recommend folks to pay attention to the "Avian Influenza Questions Answered" and "Human HPAI Safety" sections, in particular.
* Broad Wildlife Observations: You can also report general wildlife health observations, exotic-invasive occurrences, or state Species of Greatest Conservation Need on our broader reporting page. You will find various report "topics" there to match the report you desire to enter: WDFW Report Observations<https://wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/report-observations>.
* Do Not Handle Wildlife: Do not touch, handle, attempt to rescue, or transport any birds or animals to a wildlife rehabilitator if they appear neurologically affected. Common symptoms include head shaking, lethargy/immobility, swimming in circles, loss of coordination, often with mucous discharge around the nares, mouth, or eyes. Affected birds often pass within 24-72 hours of showing these signs. There is NO CURE - they are not candidates for wildlife rehabilitation, and the rehabbers do not want these affected animals as it only promotes spread and biosecurity issues for their facilities.
* Keep Your Distance: Leave the animals be and keep people and pets away from areas where sick/dead waterfowl are congregating.
* Avoid Artificial Concentration: Please do not feed waterfowl, as artificial feeding concentrates birds and facilitates the spread of the virus.
* Carcass Management: If the animals are on public lands, notify the public land manager as well as WDFW. We coordinate directly with land managers to safely remove carcasses using full PPE (gloves, N95 masks, and eye protection) and double-bagging for landfill disposal.
* Let Nature Take Its Course: As reiterated on our website, if the birds are not in a location that impacts public health or safety (such as a high-traffic common space at a public park), they should be left alone when possible if not an issue for people/pets.
Please continue to report these instances. Our Wildlife Health group and local district staff closely monitor these map and reporting tools to track the virus. We appreciate your reports!
Best,
Chris
__________________________________________________
Chris Anderson (he, him, his)
District Wildlife Biologist
District 12, King County
WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife - Region 4
16018 Mill Creek Blvd.<x-apple-data-detectors://4/0>
Mill Creek, WA 98012<x-apple-data-detectors://4/0>
Desk: 425-341-2054
<Christopher.Anderson...><mailto:<Christopher.Anderson...> http://wdfw.wa.gov<http://wdfw.wa.gov/> __________________________________________________
