Protective actions against highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in Wahkiakum County

Wahkiakum County, June 12, 2024 — The federal agency Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is continuing to monitor and respond to a multistate outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus. H5N1 is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in U.S. poultry and dairy cows. Avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses have only rarely been transmited from person to person, but officials are taking precautions to mitigate ransmission from animals to people. This current outbreak has been circulating in wild birds around the world and was first detected in the U.S. in January 2022. H5N1 has also infected domestic poultry, including commercial and backyard flocks, as well as wild and domestic mammals. While the current risk to the public is low, Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services is responding locally by providing information and personal protective equipment (PPE) to livestock owners by request. People who own or have contact with poultry, livestock, or other animals should be aware of the risk of exposure to avian influenza so that they can take proper precautions and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.