Report sick animals: 

United States Department of Agriculture 866-536-7593  

Washington State Department of Agriculture sick bird hotline 800-606-3056 

MOSES LAKE — Six mice in Grant County have recently tested positive for avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, according to a statement from the Grant County Health District. 

“It’s not brand new that we are finding bird flu in mice or other mammals. There have been reports of rodents testing positive for bird flu throughout the United States. It can be found in other mammals, not just birds,” GCHD Public Information Officer Lexi Smith said. 

Bird flu can spread between different animals, including backyard poultry and house pets. There have only been a handful of documented human cases. 

On Oct. 10, a large commercial facility in Moses Lake containing chickens tested positive for avian influenza. Smith said GCHD will release a final statement in the next couple of weeks to thank their partners and close up that case. 

“As of right now I can report that there were no human cases that came from that outbreak,” Smith said.  

According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, as of Oct. 13, there have been four documented cases of bird flu in the state this year. Besides the Grant County case, there was a small backyard outbreak of ducks in Snohomish County at the beginning of November, a small backyard outbreak of ducks in Mason County in February and a large commercial outbreak of chickens in Franklin County in January.  

Keeping humans safe 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most human cases of bird flu in the United States have been mild so far. Cases mostly come from people who had known exposure to sick or infected animals.  

Mild symptoms include eye redness, eye irritation, mild fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. According to the CDC, the most common symptom is eye redness.  

Smith recommends that people stay away from sick or dead animals.  

“You want to avoid any contact with animals that could be infected with bird flu,” she said. “So, just don't handle sick or dead birds or livestock, and if you do, make sure that you're wearing the right personal protective equipment.” 

The CDC also recommends not directly touching surfaces or materials contaminated by saliva, mucous, or feces by confirmed or suspected animals with avian influenza. This includes any water source that could be contaminated with their saliva.  

It also recommends not consuming or touching raw milk or raw milk products, especially animals with confirmed or suspected bird flu or in areas known to have infected herds.  

For people who participate in bird hunting, the CDC recommends not handling wild birds or other animals that are obviously sick or found dead. It also recommends that while cleaning or handling game, hunters not eat, drink or place anything in their mouth.  

Keeping animals safe 

Avian influenza has been detected in cats during outbreaks in Thailand, Northern Germany, Poland, South Korea and the United States, according to the CDC.  

In the United States, most of the infections in cats have been linked with affected farms; however, home infections have been linked to commercially produced raw pet food and unpasteurized milk.  

Smith recommends that people keep their pets indoors and away from any dead or sickly-looking animals.  

“During hunting season, make sure your pets are not retrieving any dead or sick birds,” Smith said.  

She said if a wild animal like a bird or mouse gets into someone’s house, they should try to get it back outside without touching it directly. She also recommended keeping pets away from wild house guests. 

Avian influenza has been detected in farm animals including goats, alpacas, pigs, chickens, ducks and dairy cows.  

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmers should keep germs away by disinfecting everything. Limit the number of visitors to their properties, but when visitors come, they have disposable boot covers and coveralls. Avoid wild birds and rodents by securing feed bins and water. Make sure that a plan is in place for biosecurity.  

Symptoms of bird flu in animals include fever, fatigue, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from eyes and nose, difficulty breathing or neurologic symptoms like tremors, seizures or blindness.  

If a pet is showing signs of bird flu or has been around animals that are suspected of having the disease, the CDC recommends seeking veterinary care for the pet.  

However, if a farm animal or wild animal is showing signs, contact the USDA at 866-536-7593 or the Washington State Department of Agriculture sick bird hotline at 1-800-606-3056 to report a sick animal.