Dead birds at Lake Tye Park in Monroe have preliminarily tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, the Snohomish County Health Department said in a Nov. 9 release.
The department says the risk to the general public is low and transmission to people is uncommon. People with direct exposure to infected birds, including backyard flock owners and those handling sick or dead birds, face a higher risk.
Two Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife workers collected dead birds at Lake Tye while wearing appropriate protective equipment, according to the county. The workers will monitor themselves for possible symptoms.
In its own Nov. 9 update, the City of Monroe reported that WDFW had confirmed bird flu was present at the park. The city says WDFW is not advising a park closure. Neither notice identifies a virus subtype or gives a count of affected birds.
For park visitors, pet owners and people keeping backyard chickens or ducks elsewhere in Snohomish County, state agencies' advice centers on giving wild birds space and reporting sick or dead animals.
What visitors should do
Leave sick or dead wild birds alone. WDFW advises against touching them, trying to catch them or transporting them. Keep children and pets away, and do not feed waterfowl: feeding encourages birds to gather.
Use WDFW's wild-bird reporting form linked in the county's Nov. 9 notice to report a sick or dead wild bird. For a bird in a Monroe city park, the city asks people to report it to WDFW first, then notify Monroe Parks at 360-863-4559. That city number is for Monroe park sightings; wild-bird reports go to WDFW.
If you keep a backyard flock
The Washington Department of Health recommends keeping domestic birds away from wild birds and their environments. Wild waterfowl can carry bird flu without appearing sick.
If birds in your flock become unusually ill or die unexpectedly, contact a veterinarian and report the situation to the Washington State Department of Agriculture at 1-800-606-3056 or through its domestic-bird reporting form linked in the county's Nov. 9 notice. Follow any instructions from WSDA before disposing of birds. Domestic-flock reports go to WSDA; wild-bird reports go to WDFW.
Keep pets from hunting or scavenging
DOH advises keeping pets away from wild birds and their environments, including carcasses. Cats are particularly susceptible to bird flu. Do not feed pets raw milk, raw meat or raw pet food. If a pet becomes ill after a possible exposure, contact a veterinarian and describe the exposure. More information is available in DOH's guidance for pet owners.
If you may have been exposed
If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to bird flu, DOH advises contacting your healthcare provider or local health jurisdiction. Explain the contact you had with birds or their environment. This advice applies to exposure concerns, not only to people who already feel ill.
Updated Nov. 9, 2026. Sources: Snohomish County Health Department; City of Monroe; Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; Washington Department of Health.
