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Current Situation
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) have confirmed the first detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in one dairy farm in Benton County. Dairy cattle in a total of 19 states have been infected since the start of the outbreak in March 2024.
The Benton-Franklin Health District is in contact with the impacted dairies to monitor and protect the health of people exposed to the infected cattle. The Benton-Franklin Health District can help coordinate testing for any exposed person who develops symptoms to ensure prompt identification and appropriate treatment for any human cases. WSDA has been working with the farms to employ strict biosecurity measures and quarantining the infected cattle.
There are currently no confirmed human cases of avian influenza in Franklin County.
Human infections with avian influenza viruses are rare, and the risk to the general public remains low.
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is a virus that primarily affects wild birds. It can also spread to domestic birds and other animals, including dairy cattle, and occasionally infect people.
People can become infected through close contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the virus. People who work with or handle infected animals may be at greater risk of exposure.
There is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission of avian influenza.
How does avian influenza spread?
Infected birds and other animals can spread the virus through saliva, mucus, and feces. People and animals may become infected when the virus enters the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Infected dairy cattle can also shed the virus in their milk. Pasteurized milk and dairy products are safe to consume, but raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products may contain the virus and should be avoided.
How can I protect myself?
The risk to the general public is low.
The best way to prevent the bird flu is to:
- Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and other animals.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) if you must handle sick or dead birds or other animals, or work in their environment.
- Avoid raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products because they may contain harmful germs, including avian influenza. Do not feed pets raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, or raw meat, including raw pet foods.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about getting the seasonal flu vaccine. Although it does not prevent bird flu, it reduces the risk of co-infection with human and avian influenza viruses.
Avian Influenza Guidance for Dairy Workers
Avian Influenza Guidance for Poultry Workers
What are symptoms of avian influenza in people?
Avian influenza symptoms in people can include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle or body aches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Eye redness or irritation
- Difficulty breathing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Severe respiratory disease
Is milk safe to drink?
Pasteurization kills viruses and bacteria in milk, including HPAI virus, helping ensure the safety of the dairy supply. Infected cows can shed the virus in their milk, making raw milk and other raw dairy products unsafe for consumption. Avoid raw dairy product consumption, and do not allow your pets to consume raw milk or other dairy products, or raw foods such as raw meat.
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