Washington reports first wildlife-linked bird flu case in domestic cat and separate poultry detection

A domestic cat has died of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in Grant County, Washington, becoming the first confirmed domestic feline case in the state linked to exposure from an infected wild bird. Around the same time, state health officials confirmed that a backyard poultry flock from a separate household in the county had also tested positive for the virus. The 2 detections underscore how H5N1 continues to circulate across shared outdoor environments, moving between wildlife and domestic animals.

The Grant County Health District (GCHD) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) have been working closely with the animal owners to provide guidance, testing, and preventive treatment, GCHD said in an announcement.¹ According to the WSDA, the cat was an outdoor pet who likely contracted the virus after contact with an infected wild bird.²

In terms of the poultry case, GCHD said the flock consisted of a small group of chickens and ducks. According to the county health district, the flock owner took the appropriate response steps, reporting the sudden deaths of several birds to the WSDA’s sick bird hotline.¹

A total of 161 wild birds in Grant County have been confirmed positive for the virus since the outbreak began. Twelve mice also tested positive for avian influenza during an outbreak in poultry at a large commercial facility in 2025.¹

“Many migratory birds overwinter in fields, backyards, and around water sources across Washington,” Amber Itle, DVM, WSDA state veterinarian, said in a WSDA announcement.² “As birds concentrate, so does the avian influenza virus, increasing the risk of environmental contamination and spillover into domestic poultry, wild predatory species, and even our beloved outdoor domestic cats.”

The state agency is advising pet owners to take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure, including keeping pets indoors or in covered areas and avoiding contact with wild birds. The department is also recommending taking good hygiene measures and cautioning against feeding pets raw milk or uncooked meat.²

State and local health officials emphasized that the feline case was not linked to contaminated pet food and that no human infections have been associated with either detection. Although the case marks Washington’s first confirmed feline infection tied directly to wildlife exposure, it is not the state’s first encounter with avian influenza in cats. The state has recorded 4 cases of the virus in cats linked to contaminated raw pet food since the start of the avian influenza outbreak in 2022, according to the WSDA.²

Across the US, 149 domestic cats have tested positive for the virus since 2022.²

Veterinary staff are at an increased risk of bird flu infection

Public health officials have identified certain groups at increased risk of infection, including veterinary teams, backyard poultry owners, dairy and poultry workers, hunters, and others whose work or daily routines bring them into close contact with animals or contaminated environments. Prolonged exposure without appropriate protective measures also increases the likelihood of infection, especially for people who are immunocompromised, very young, or older.

GCHD is urging individuals who spend time around potentially infected animals to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). The county is offering free PPE to local residents who are at an increased risk of exposure to avian influenza.

“People who had contact with infected birds or other animals will be contacted by public health to discuss exposure risk and symptom monitoring to ensure prompt testing and treatment of any suspected human cases,” the WSDA said.¹

Health officials emphasize that vigilance, clear communication, and basic protective measures are essential to managing risk. The WSDA encourages practicing good biosecurity, including wearing recommended PPE and washing hands. For veterinary teams with clients who own poultry, clear communication on the importance of keeping flocks separated from wild birds can further help protect people and poultry.

“This first detection of the season is a sobering reminder that highly pathogenic avian influenza remains a threat to all domestic poultry—large or small—statewide,” Itle said in a state news release.¹ "Keeping birds away from wild waterfowl, limiting access to your flock, and keeping species separate are some of the best ways to reduce the risk of this devastating disease.”

References

1. Grant County reports bird flu activity. News release. Grant County Health District. January 27, 2026. Accessed January 30, 2026. https://granthealth.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/120
2. Avian influenza confirmed in outdoor cat in Grant County: WSDA urges pet precautions. News release. Washington State Department of Agriculture. January 27, 2026. Accessed January 30, 2026. https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=46070&culture=en-US