A bird flu case in Kittitas County prompted warnings from state officials urging flock owners to protect their birds.
Author: Bethany Henderson
Published: 6:37 PM PDT October 10, 2026
Updated: 11:09 PM PDT October 10, 2026
KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. — A case of avian influenza was confirmed in a small backyard flock in Kittitas County, prompting warnings for bird owners to take precautions as migrating birds move through Washington.
The positive case was confirmed Friday, Oct. 9 in a flock of mixed backyard birds near Ellensburg, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).
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Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious virus that can spread among birds and pose a serious risk to backyard poultry and commercial flocks.
How to protect backyard birds
State officials are urging flock owners to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection, particularly as wild birds migrate through the region.
Recommended precautions include:
- Keeping domestic birds away from wild waterfowl and areas where they gather, including lakes, ponds and irrigation canals.
- Keeping birds inside coops or under covered enclosures.
- Cleaning up spilled feed and keeping food and water covered.
- Limiting visitors to poultry areas.
- Washing hands thoroughly after handling birds, eggs or equipment.
- Wearing dedicated shoes and clothing when caring for birds.
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting boots, tools and cages.
- Avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds.
People who work with or handle potentially infected animals should use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Health officials also advised against consuming uncooked or undercooked food products, including unpasteurized milk and raw-milk cheeses. These products should also not be fed to pets.
Surveillance zone established
Flock owners within six miles, or 10 kilometers, of the confirmed detection fall within a surveillance zone. Residents near the site of detection can check to see whether their property falls within the surveillance zone using this interactive map.
Owners in the area should remain alert for signs of illness or unexplained deaths among their birds and follow guidance from state agricultural officials.
Anyone who notices unexplained illness or deaths in backyard poultry should contact the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056 or submit a report online at WSDA’s Sick Bird Reporting page.
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People who find dead wild birds should not touch or handle them. Suspected cases can be reported through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online reporting tool.
