SKAGIT COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – State agriculture officials have confirmed a case of bird flu in a Skagit County backyard flock.
It’s the first domestic detection there and comes as spring migration brings waves of ducks, geese and swans through Washington, raising the risk the virus spreads to local birds.
State Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle says migrating birds can carry in new strains and urges poultry owners to step up biosecurity, especially if their birds roam near waterfowl‑friendly areas. A six‑mile surveillance zone is now in place around the affected flock.
Backyard flocks still make up most detections, and contact with wild birds remains the biggest threat, making strict daily precautions essential as migration peaks.
If several birds in your flock get sick or die suddenly, call the WSDA Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056 or file a report on the WSDA website.
