Exclusive: Bird Flu Cases in Washington State Raise Concerns for Poultry Industry – Expert Analysis by Tom Polansek
CHICAGO (Reuters) – Reports of bird flu infecting four poultry workers in Washington state have sent shockwaves through the industry, marking the sixth U.S. state to identify human cases this year, as confirmed by the Washington State Department of Health.
As Washington continues to investigate potential exposures and test individuals, the implications of these new cases have ignited a sense of urgency among public health experts. The virus’ ability to spread to dairy cattle and infect farm workers has raised alarms among scientists and federal officials, highlighting the potential risks to human health.
Efforts are being made in California and Washington to offer seasonal flu vaccines to farm workers, aiming to lower the risk of dual infection with bird flu and seasonal influenza.
“At this time, we have no evidence of human-to-human transmission,” stated Roberto Bonaccorso, spokesperson for Washington’s health department.
Washington has sent samples to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for final confirmation and detailed analysis, as reported by the department on Sunday. The CDC has not provided immediate feedback as of Monday.
The four individuals tested presumptively positive after working at a commercial egg farm affected by the virus, according to Washington’s health department. They exhibited mild symptoms and received antiviral treatment, with the department noting inconsistencies in their use of protective gear.
Following the first outbreak in Washington this year, approximately 800,000 chickens were culled at the infected egg farm, as confirmed by state officials. The affected workers were involved in carcass removal, litter handling, and facility cleaning post-culling, according to the health department.
Before the cases in Washington, a total of 27 individuals had tested positive in 2024 nationwide, with the virus spreading to poultry farms and dairy herds for the first time. Nearly all cases had a documented exposure to infected poultry or dairy cattle.
Since the onset of the U.S. outbreak in 2022, over 100 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been euthanized due to the virus’ impact.