We're monitoring for avian flu
By Dr. Jeff Koenings, WDFW Director

Since avian influenza made headlines more than a year ago, the disease has raised questions among many of those who have an interest in wildlife, including wild bird enthusiasts.

Some species of wild birds, especially waterfowl, naturally carry various strains of avian flu without ill effect. However, the virulent form of bird flu, which is caused by a strain of virus known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1), has sickened and killed some birds in Asia, Africa and Europe. After close contact with infected domestic birds, more than 200 people also have died from the HPAI H5N1 virus.

So far, the HPAI H5N1 strain of the virus has not been found among wild birds in North America.

As part of a nationwide surveillance effort, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) this summer began testing some species of wild migratory waterfowl and shorebirds for avian influenza. The joint effort by state and federal agencies is intended to detect whether the virulent form of avian influenza has occurred in migratory birds passing through the United States.

An estimated one million geese, 12 million ducks, 150,000 swans, and hundreds of thousands of shorebirds returning from the Arctic pass through the Pacific Flyway annually. Our sampling, mostly in Puget Sound, coastal estuaries and the Columbia Basin, focuses on birds that could have interacted with Asian migratory birds in the Arctic last summer.

Part of our monitoring effort also involves testing some birds found dead, either by our field staff or reported by citizens. To report a dead wild bird, you can call WDFW's toll-free line at 1-800-606-8768. As a standard safety precaution for protection from various wildlife diseases, do not handle dead wild birds with bare hands or transport them. Birds that likely died from predators or traumas, such as collisions with windows, power lines or motor vehicles, are not collected for testing. If you have questions about reporting a dead bird call 509-892-1001 Ext. 316.

While highly pathogenic avian influenza has not been detected here, it's always advisable to take common-sense precautions when handling wildlife to avoid contracting any wildlife disease. Here are some tips for handling wild birds and bird feeders:

• Do not handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead; use rubber gloves, plastic bags, and/or shovels to remove dead birds. ·
• Wear rubber gloves while cleaning bird feeders. ·
• Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes immediately after handling dead birds or cleaning bird feeders.

I encourage you to visit our Avian Influenza webpage, where you will find details about our monitoring effort. For additional human health information, check with the state Department of Health or your local health department.