Avian Influenza Update: A message from WDFW and Kwiaht

It’s that time of year when the risk of avian flu in migrating geese, ducks and other waterfowl is greatest. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and KWIAHT ask all of our neighbors in the San Juan Islands to help us be on the lookout for any freshly dead wild waterfowl, or wildlife that scavenge dead waterfowl such as raptors and racoons.

Please report all sick, injured or dead wildlife to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at https://wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/report-observations, by reaching out to TeamMillCreek@dfw.wa.gov, or by calling WDFW at 425-775-1311.  

After reporting the animal, you can also contact info@kwiaht.org for disease sampling assistance. Please include a photo if possible so we can determine whether the bird is a candidate for sampling and testing for avian flu. Please do not handle dead wild waterfowl or scavengers, for your own safety and the safety of any domestic birds or pets that you may have. However, we recommend that you cover the dead bird with some cardboard, an old sheet or tarp, to discourage scavengers. We can dispose of the bird safely when we sample it, or advise you on how to do so.

This is for wild waterfowl only. For domestic geese, ducks or other poultry, please contact the state Department of Agriculture at: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/avian-health/avian-influenza

Check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom and https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/diseases/bird-flu for updates on this year’s avian flu season.