Tribal Fishers, Hunters, and Gatherers,
We’re writing with an update for everyone’s situational awareness. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, or bird-flu) is a contagious disease that has been found in numerous birds, harbor seals, cougars, and other animals on the northern Olympic Peninsula in the last few months. It can be transmitted from birds to mammals through close contact, saliva and feces. HPAI is not a new disease. It has been occurring regionally for decades, impacting primarily birds. However, the current outbreak is notable because of its movement from birds into mammals. Bird-flu infections in people are rare and usually happen only after a long period of contact with infected birds. Avian influenza rarely causes serious illness in humans, but it is possible.
We want everyone to stay healthy:
- Because HPAI can move from sick or dead animals to people and their pets, do not touch any sick/dead animals, avoid the area around them, and keep dogs away.
- Shellfish harvesters are advised to not harvest shellfish near any sick/dead animal.
- Hunters are advised to wear gloves when processing harvested wildlife, cook all meat to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and wash their hands thoroughly with hot water and soap, or hand sanitizer, immediately after processing.
- Gatherers are advised to not harvest near any sick/ dead animal.
- If you find any sick/dead wildlife, especially multiple sick/dead animals close together, avoid the area.
If you observe a situation with multiple sick/dead birds or wildlife, please report it to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at their HPAI reporting tool, which is linked below:
It can also be found by searching “WDFW Avian Influenza”
WDFW’s tool will prompt you for information. Please take note (if you can) of the affected species, precise location, the number of sick or dead animals, as well as any unusual behavior(s). Only collect what information you can while remaining a safe distance away (at least 20’). Photos (from a distance) would be helpful.
Please let Dylan Bergman, the Point No Point Treaty Council’s wildlife biologist, know if you make a report. Dylan is also available to submit the report for you, and he can be reached at 360-731-8674 or [email protected].
If you walked on or near sick/dead animals, disinfect boots with a 5% bleach solution. You should not retain feathers or any other parts from a dead bird if the cause of death is not known.
If you develop flu-like symptoms after handling birds or other wildlife, or having any other potential exposure to sick animals, please call a Kitsap County Health District at 360-728-2235.
More information can be found at:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/diseases/bird-flu
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/index.html
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections