Submitted by San Juan County.

A local backyard flock and a wild bird have tested positive for avian influenza. San Juan County Health & Community Services is contacting people with exposure to avian influenza-infected birds to monitor for symptoms as a precautionary measure.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease caused by avian influenza Type A viruses that naturally occur in wild aquatic birds throughout the world. This virus can also infect other species of birds, and occasionally mammals, and can cause significant mortality in poultry species such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese or guinea fowl. Avian influenza typically spreads to backyard flocks through their interactions with wild birds. Multiple species of wild migratory birds are known to carry the virus and travel through San Juan County each year, and it can be fatal to both wild birds and domestic poultry.

Here is how to report both wild and domestic sick and dead birds:

• Report sick/dead domestic birds using the online form (https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/5e0bb3eaf3ae44b69cf6dcf34e89524e), or call the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Avian Health Program: 1-800-606-3056. Visit Avian Influenza | Washington State Department of Agriculture (https://agr.wa.gov/birdflu) for more information about how to protect backyard flocks.

• Use an online form (https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/a384e90f69744f2e846135a9ce80027f) to report sick/dead wild birds suspected of avian influenza to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

On rare occasions, bird flu viruses can infect people and make them sick. Most instances of people becoming infected with bird flu have happened after prolonged, close contact with animals infected with avian influenza or environments contaminated with avian influenza. Illness in humans from bird flu viruses has ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease that resulted in death. At this time, there are no confirmed human cases of avian influenza in San Juan County.

Avian influenza infections in people are rare, and risk to the public remains low. However, people who have or have had close contact with infected animals, such as backyard flock keepers, agriculture workers and hunters, may be at higher risk. Here are tips to reduce your risk of infection:

• Do not handle wild birds and wild animals. Observe from a distance, if possible. Wild birds can be infected with avian influenza viruses even if they don’t look sick.

• Avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds (poultry) or other animals that may be sick, have died, are suspected to have bird flu virus infection or may have had contact with wild birds.

• Do not touch surfaces that appear to be contaminated with animal feces, raw milk, litter or other materials contaminated by birds.

• Do not prepare or eat raw or undercooked meat or related food products, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw cheeses. Highly susceptible populations (e.g., individuals who are immunocompromised) are more likely than the public to develop foodborne illnesses from eating raw or undercooked foods.

• If you have a backyard bird flock and suspect some of your birds may have avian influenza virus, take extra precautions to keep yourself safe.

• If you are a hunter who handles wild birds, practice good hygiene to prevent any potential disease spread. Dress game birds in the field when possible. It is extremely unlikely that hunters or people feeding wild birds will contract bird flu, but following common-sense precautions is recommended to reduce the risk of contracting any wildlife disease.

• Speak with your medical provider about getting the seasonal flu vaccine. It is especially important that people who may have exposure to sick birds get a seasonal flu vaccine. While the seasonal flu vaccine will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, it will reduce the risk of getting sick with human and bird flu viruses at the same time. Co-infection is dangerous because it increases the chance that the two viruses could combine and create a new, greater human health hazard.

• For pet owners: Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness from avian influenza infection, and multiple cases of domestic and wild cats dying from avian influenza infections have been reported in the United States. The most common route of exposure for cats appears to be the consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk or dairy products or raw or undercooked meat. If you suspect your cat or pet may have avian influenza, contact your veterinarian, who will then contact the Washington State Department of Agriculture Animal Health. Make sure to tell your veterinarian if your pet had known or suspected contact with another avian influenza-infected animal or person so they can take appropriate precautions.

Mental health resources

Backyard flocks are often beloved pets, making situations like this emotionally challenging for owners of backyard flocks. Reaching out for help is always a sign of strength! If you notice changes in your emotions or thinking, or if it is more difficult for you to care for yourself, your family or your animals, consider turning to a friend, clergy member or medical provider. If a situation could be life-threatening, get immediate emergency help by dialing 911.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, have suicidal thoughts, or simply need to talk to someone, please call, text or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is confidential, free and available 24/7/365.

Other resources:

• Farm Aid: Farm Aid connects farmers with helpful services and resources. Fill out an Online Request for Assistance form (https://www.farmaid.org/our-work/resources-for-farmers/online-request-for-assistance-form/?msclkid=7a60ccaaaae511ecadf8909161c6b0ed). For assistance, call the Farmer Hotline Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time: 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243) or email farmhelp@farmaid.org.

• Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program: WRASAP is a group of organizations and community members across the Western region who provide support, resources and funding opportunities to agricultural communities, including farmers, ranchers, farmworkers and their families. To connect to WRADDAP services in your area, fill out a contact form: https://farmstress.us/contact/.

For more information and updates, go to the San Juan County website at www.sanjuancountywa.gov.