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The Walla Walla County Department of Community Health has been notified about three wild birds in Walla Walla County that tested positive for avian influenza, or bird flu.
The birds — two Canada geese and a great horned owl — were collected in the area of Pioneer Park on different dates in October. The health department was notified about the cases on Thursday, Oct. 30.
The local health department is working with the Washington State Department of Health, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and other local partners to respond to the situation, according to a news release.
The bird flu is contagious among birds and can occasionally be transmitted to wild mammals. Human infections of bird flu are rare, according to the release.
People can become infected if the virus comes in contact with their eyes, nose or mouth or if it is inhaled. Human exposure usually occurs at live bird markets, farms or slaughter areas. Sick or dead wild birds and mammals can also be infected.
The health department advises people not to approach or handle sick or dead wildlife but instead report it online at tinyurl.com/h6f76czr. Sick or dead birds should be reported to the Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056.
Anyone in close contact with sick or dead wild or domestic animals should use personal protective equipment, including hunters who are handling, field dressing or processing wild game.
Humans and pets should not eat raw or undercooked food, including unpasteurized milk, raw cheese or raw pet food.
If someone is cleaning bird feces outdoors, they should wear gloves and use a 1-to-10 bleach solution or a cleaner such as Lysol to soak the area before cleaning with disposable cloths.
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