With highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu now in Washington state and in Oregon poultry for the first time, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirms that the disease has now affected 34 US states and led to the demise of 37.55 million poultry.

Officials also confirmed new poultry outbreaks in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Montana, as well as more positive tests in wild birds. And the World Health Organization (WHO) provided updates on human avian flu cases in Colorado and China.

Washington, Oregon outbreaks in backyard flocks

Animal health officials in Washington reported outbreaks in backyard flocks late last week.

In a May 6 news release, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) said flock owners in Pacific County in the state's southwest reported sick and dying birds, and samples taken on May 4 tested positive for the H5N1 strain on May 5 in state and federal labs. APHIS said the flock contained 50 birds.

Amber Itle, DVM, state veterinarian, quarantined the premises and ordered the remaining birds culled to contain the outbreak.

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