Washington’s dairy bird-flu outbreak has expanded to a second county, bringing fresh reminders for households that buy milk, keep chickens or care for cats.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture announced a detection in a Benton County dairy herd on Oct. 26. It followed the state’s first known cattle detections, announced Oct. 8 at two Yakima County dairies. The agency’s cattle-detection table, checked Oct. 29, lists affected herds in Yakima and Benton counties.
WSDA’s Oct. 19 explainer sets out what residents should know about milk, backyard poultry and pets.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to assess the public health risk as low. People in close contact with infected animals or contaminated materials face greater exposure risks, WSDA says.
Choose pasteurized dairy products
The Food and Drug Administration says commercial pasteurization inactivates H5N1, the virus causing this outbreak, and the commercial pasteurized milk supply remains safe. Its findings include studies of the pasteurization process and tests of retail dairy products.
When shopping, choose milk and dairy products made with pasteurized milk. Raw milk has skipped that heat treatment and can carry harmful germs. The FDA continues to advise against drinking it. WSDA also recommends choosing pasteurized dairy products.
For dairy products bought directly from a farm, check whether the milk has been pasteurized.
Keep wild birds away from your flock
For backyard poultry owners, WSDA’s advice starts with separating domestic birds from wild birds and their droppings, especially around waterfowl. Protect feed and water from contamination. A covered area with a roof that keeps water out can help; netting alone does not provide that protection.
Watch for sudden or unexplained deaths, reduced egg production, low energy, poor appetite or breathing difficulties. WSDA advises owners who suspect bird flu to avoid moving birds to another location and seek guidance.
Protect pets and get advice early
Cats are particularly vulnerable to severe H5N1 illness, according to WSDA. Keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife, and avoid feeding them raw milk or raw animal products that could carry the virus. Keep children away from sick or dead birds as well.
Anyone who develops symptoms after contact with a potentially infected animal should contact a health-care provider and explain the exposure, the agency advises.
Where to report a concern
Cattle owners should contact their veterinarian promptly about unusual illness. Warning signs include a drop in milk production, changes in milk appearance, reduced appetite, fever or respiratory problems. WSDA’s Animal Health Program can be reached at 360-902-1878 or ahealth@agr.wa.gov.
For suspected bird-flu illness or unexplained deaths in domestic poultry, call the dedicated WSDA Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056. Routine animal-care questions belong with a veterinarian. Report sick or dead wild birds through WDFW’s wildlife reporting form.
Information checked Oct. 29, 2026. Follow the linked agencies for changes in detections and guidance.
