OLYMPIA, Wash.-The first case of avian influenza in 2024 has been detected in a commercial poultry organization in Franklin County.
High numbers of chicken deaths were reported at the commercial farm on Oct. 11, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Other birds at the location were reportedly lethargic and showed signs of illness leading state and local veterinarians to investigate.
The location was quarantined to contain the illness and the Washington Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory tested samples and reported ‘non-negative’ results on Friday, Oct. 11.
According to the WSDA, ‘non-negative’ results are “presumptive positive” until results are confirmed.
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the results on Oct. 15.
Birds at the facility where the outbreak occurred will be humanely euthanized to contain the outbreak and poultry from the outbreak will not enter the food chain, according to the WSDA.
Sudden illnesses or deaths of flocks can be reported online through the WSDA or by calling the sick bird hotline at 1-800-606-3056.
