🐔Bird flu has been detected at a Pierce County commercial poultry facility

If you keep chickens, pay attention: avian influenza was recently detected at a commercial poultry facility in Pierce County, the state Department of Agriculture (WSDA) says. It marks the first instance of a commercial flock reporting an infection, and the facility is under quarantine while health officials work to prevent the virus from spreading.

Health officials are monitoring workers who may have come into contact with the birds. Elsewhere, WSDA announced Monday, Nov. 2 that it confirmed avian influenza in a Benton County dairy herd, and a Yakima resident has died of complications from bird flu.

• Human cases tied to the Pierce facility: none reported
• Pasteurized milk and dairy in stores: still safe, WSDA says
• Raw milk and unpasteurized products: WSDA urges people to avoid them
• Poultry owners: keep flocks away from wild birds, state health officials advise