Bird Flu Found In Wild Ducks In Bellevue & Seattle

SEATTLE — Several wild ducks and geese tested positive for bird flu on private property and public parks in Seattle and Bellevue, officials announced Wednesday, as a nationwide outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus continues to spread among avian populations.

Public Health - Seattle & King County announced the latest infections after receiving initial testing results from wild birds found in three public parks on May 22. Officials said the infected birds were found in Bellevue Downtown Park, Green Lake Park and Volunteer Park.

News of the latest cases arrives one week after the health department confirmed King County's first known H5N1 infections in three backyard, non-poultry flocks. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, earlier cases were detected in wild birds in four Washington counties, including a bald eagle found dead in Pierce County last month. Infections in bird flocks have been identified in nine counties.

While the risk to humans is considered very low, public health officials said the virus is effective at infecting and killing domestic and wild birds, including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail and ducks. Last month, Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo announced it would move its most at-risk species — including peacocks, penguins and flamingos — indoors and out of public view to minimize their risk of being exposed to the deadly virus.

Though catching or spreading avian influenza among humans is very rare, health officials ask the public to avoid approaching or touching wild birds, especially if they appear sick or dead. Residents can report sightings to the state Department of Fish & Wildlife by calling 360-902-2200 and pressing 4.

Anyone who did come within six feet of ducks in the three impacted parks is encouraged to contact Public Health at 206-296-4774.

Learn more about King County's bird flu infections on the Public Health Insider blog.